Wolsingham, Baal Hill House; Bastle. (Wolsingham)

Baal or Bale Hill House situated one mile northeast of Wolsingham. It has exceptionally thick walls. The lower floor is occupied by a stone-roofed barrel vault, now divided across the middle. It has its entrance at the west end, which is a pointed arched doorway. It is said to have been the residence of the Bishop's bailiff, and there is a 1558 reference in the rolls of the Bishop's chancellor for a payment of Ł18 16s for the repair of 'the Lodge within the park of Wolsingham, otherwisae called Baylehilhouse'. This is where the name may originate from. The term 'bail hill' could also of course relate to an open-air lead-smelting furnace.

There is no appearance of a moat, but the position in the landscape is strong.

There is a reference to the repair of the "lodge", perhaps this house, in 1558.

It is similar in form to a typical borders bastle but of an earlier date and finer architectural detail.

Reference number: D2177
Historical period: Medieval (1066 to 1540)
Post-medieval (1540 to 1900)
Legal status: Listed Building

See also:
Location of this site on a map, with option to view historical maps. Please note this link will open a new window. To return to this page please close the new window.

Wolsingham, Baal Hill House Š Ryder, P 2006

Wolsingham, Baal Hill Plan Š Ryder, P 2006

Disclaimer - Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.

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