Burneside Hall

Burneside Hall is a medieval pele tower standing in Strickland Roger with three stories and sturdy stone walls. The structure contains two vaulted chambers at ground level connected by a narrow passage that you can still see today.

The site was founded around 1290 when Gilbert Burneshead, Under-Sheriff of Westmorland, built the original structure. The Bellingham family later gained ownership through marriage and held the property across many generations.

The building served as a family stronghold for centuries, providing both shelter and security for those who lived and worked there. Walking around the remains, you can sense how medieval families adapted their homes to protect themselves in this border region.

The building remains part of an active farm, so access may be limited and you should check before visiting. Wear sturdy footwear as the site has uneven ground and the old stonework requires careful footing.

Wood samples from the structure revealed that different parts were built and rebuilt across several centuries, with timber elements ranging from the early 1400s through the late 1600s. This patchwork of building dates shows how the structure was constantly maintained and adapted by its owners over time.