In the border regions of Scotland and England dwelt families called the border Reivers, who lived in defensible stone cottages. Livestock could be taken in downstars, safe from other raiding families. These stone dwellings were called Bastles, or Pele Towers. The one shown at sunset is the Black Middens, near Tarset, Northumberland, UK. The staircase between ground and upper floors is external, and is a set of stone steps to the living (first) floor, with livestock space at ground floor below. Thus, the Reiver family under siege could defend themselves and livestock, often using defenses more familiar to castles (e.g. murder holes). Black Middens, though sadly now deserted, the structure is sound bar the delapidated slate roof.
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