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Hallsford is a relatively small farm from a national
perspective, only 73 hectares or 180 acres.
10% of this is woodland and buildings.
We are
privileged to live in one of the most beautiful and undiscovered
areas of England, that wedge of land north of Hadrian's Wall,
south of the border. Far from London this area was for centuries
a law unto itself.
The farm
was originally part of Netherby Estates, owned by the Grahams,
one of the large border clans. The older buildings on the
site date back to the 16th century. One building in particular,
a 'Bastle', clearly dates from this period.
Bastles
are structures peculiar to the borders, where in times of
potential threat - there were plenty - animals could be housed
downstairs behind thick walls and doors, and human habitation
was above this. The only access to the first floor was by
ladder. This clearly deterred most raiders.
The farm
presumably thrived and over the next few centuries another
house was built, along with barns and pigsties to form an
enclosed, gated courtyard. This work was completed in 1795
a few decades after Bonnie Prince Charlie marched through
this area on his way south. Security, as you will appreciate,
was still very much a consideration, the only entrance being
through the main courtyard gate and the main house windows
were shuttered.
In this
section we will hopefully give you a feel of what happens
on a borders farm in the early 21st century. Some things will
have changed a great deal, others, not so much perhaps. The
pyres, the real animal and human suffering during 2001 is something this area hasn't seen since the time of
the Reivers. It is something Helen and I will never forget.
Latest Newsletter:
- .
June 2002 Success for
Hallsford Butterfly at the Royal Show.
Updated:
16/03/2007
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