Bygate Crofts

Settlement in Northumberland

England

Bygate Crofts

Quarry Garden, Belsay Hall Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building.  (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238494" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238494">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Images of England)

The main structure, a substantial  story rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower. A west wing was added in 1711 but was later largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered.

The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238505" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238505">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Images of England) close by. The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as setting for garden parties and other entertainments.

Belsay Hall, Castle and gardens are administered by English Heritage and are open to the public. 
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Official English heritage web site.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsay_Castle" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsay_Castle">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Wikipedia
Quarry Garden, Belsay Hall Credit: habiloid

Bygate Crofts is a small rural settlement located in Northumberland, England. Situated in the heart of picturesque countryside, it is nestled between the towns of Morpeth and Bedlington. The area is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, meandering rivers, and lush green fields surrounding the village.

Bygate Crofts is home to a close-knit community, consisting mainly of traditional stone-built cottages and farmhouses. The village retains its historic charm, with many of the buildings dating back several centuries. The local church, St. Mary's, is a prominent feature of the village, adding to its quaint and peaceful atmosphere.

The village is surrounded by farmland, with agriculture being a significant part of the local economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate make it ideal for farming, and the fields are used for growing crops and grazing livestock. The agricultural heritage is still visible in the area, with many farms still in operation.

Despite its rural setting, Bygate Crofts is well-connected to nearby towns and cities. The A189 road runs through the village, providing easy access to Morpeth, Bedlington, and Newcastle upon Tyne. This makes it an attractive location for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle while still having access to urban amenities.

The village also benefits from its proximity to the Northumberland National Park, which offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. The park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Overall, Bygate Crofts offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for residents and visitors alike, with its natural beauty, rich history, and strong community spirit.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bygate Crofts Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.085364/-1.886458 or Grid Reference NZ0776. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Quarry Garden, Belsay Hall Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building.  (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238494" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238494">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Images of England)

The main structure, a substantial  story rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower. A west wing was added in 1711 but was later largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered.

The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238505" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238505">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Images of England) close by. The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as setting for garden parties and other entertainments.

Belsay Hall, Castle and gardens are administered by English Heritage and are open to the public. 
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Official English heritage web site.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsay_Castle" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsay_Castle">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Wikipedia
Quarry Garden, Belsay Hall
Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building. (LinkExternal link Images of England) The main structure, a substantial story rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower. A west wing was added in 1711 but was later largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered. The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall (LinkExternal link Images of England) close by. The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as setting for garden parties and other entertainments. Belsay Hall, Castle and gardens are administered by English Heritage and are open to the public. LinkExternal link Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Official English heritage web site. LinkExternal link Wikipedia
Quarry Garden, Belsay Hall Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building.  (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238494" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238494">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Images of England)

The main structure, a substantial  story rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower. A west wing was added in 1711 but was later largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered.

The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238505" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238505">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Images of England) close by. The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as setting for garden parties and other entertainments.

Belsay Hall, Castle and gardens are administered by English Heritage and are open to the public. 
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Official English heritage web site.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsay_Castle" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsay_Castle">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Wikipedia
Quarry Garden, Belsay Hall
Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building. (LinkExternal link Images of England) The main structure, a substantial story rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower. A west wing was added in 1711 but was later largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered. The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall (LinkExternal link Images of England) close by. The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as setting for garden parties and other entertainments. Belsay Hall, Castle and gardens are administered by English Heritage and are open to the public. LinkExternal link Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Official English heritage web site. LinkExternal link Wikipedia
Quarry Garden, Belsay Hall Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building.  (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238494" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238494">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Images of England)

The main structure, a substantial  story rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower. A west wing was added in 1711 but was later largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered.

The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238505" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=238505">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Images of England) close by. The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as setting for garden parties and other entertainments.

Belsay Hall, Castle and gardens are administered by English Heritage and are open to the public. 
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Official English heritage web site.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsay_Castle" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belsay_Castle">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  Wikipedia
Quarry Garden, Belsay Hall
Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building. (LinkExternal link Images of England) The main structure, a substantial story rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower. A west wing was added in 1711 but was later largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered. The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall (LinkExternal link Images of England) close by. The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as setting for garden parties and other entertainments. Belsay Hall, Castle and gardens are administered by English Heritage and are open to the public. LinkExternal link Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Official English heritage web site. LinkExternal link Wikipedia
In the quarry garden at Belsay Hall The quarry was created because stone was needed to build Belsay Hall, but it was excavated to a deliberate plan to create a canyon which was planted with exotic shrubs.
In the quarry garden at Belsay Hall
The quarry was created because stone was needed to build Belsay Hall, but it was excavated to a deliberate plan to create a canyon which was planted with exotic shrubs.
Lake, Belsay Park Created by damming a small stream.
Lake, Belsay Park
Created by damming a small stream.
Burnside My satnav brought me here, trying to get to Belsay Hall.
We then returned to Belsay village to find the correct entrance.
Burnside
My satnav brought me here, trying to get to Belsay Hall. We then returned to Belsay village to find the correct entrance.
B6309, West Belsay
B6309, West Belsay
Edge of Langhoes Plantation A few mature trees on the edge of the wood which has presumably been recently clear felled.
Edge of Langhoes Plantation
A few mature trees on the edge of the wood which has presumably been recently clear felled.
Road to West Bitchfield Under the whin covered Slate Hill.
Road to West Bitchfield
Under the whin covered Slate Hill.
Slate Hill The steep north facing slope is covered in whins, otherwise the hill is covered in pasture.
Slate Hill
The steep north facing slope is covered in whins, otherwise the hill is covered in pasture.
B6309, Black Heddon
B6309, Black Heddon
B6309, Black Heddon One of those occasions when a road goes through a farmyard.
B6309, Black Heddon
One of those occasions when a road goes through a farmyard.
Path sign, Black Heddon With a bird box.
Path sign, Black Heddon
With a bird box.
Cattle, Black Heddon
Cattle, Black Heddon
Field and dyke, Black Heddon On sandstones, a ready source of dyking stone.
Field and dyke, Black Heddon
On sandstones, a ready source of dyking stone.
Giant rhubarb in the Quarry Gardens Giant rhubarb (which despite its name and appearance is not closely related to common or garden rhubarb) growing in the sheltered Quarry Gardens by the path to Belsay Castle.
Giant rhubarb in the Quarry Gardens
Giant rhubarb (which despite its name and appearance is not closely related to common or garden rhubarb) growing in the sheltered Quarry Gardens by the path to Belsay Castle.
Bygate Hill Standing Stone A standing stone of Bronze Age date, situated on the highest part of Bygate Hill now within a forest plantation. The stone, which is much weathered in appearance is 1.1 metre high and 0.6 metres by 0.65 metres wide. It is fashioned from a large block of stone which is square in profile and leans slightly to the south east. If it wasn't for the dense forest plantation in which the stone is now embedded, the hilltop location would command extensive views in all directions, including north to the Simonside Hills.
Pastscape: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=20718" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=20718">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://web.archive.org/web/20170223114618/http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=20718" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170223114618/http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=20718">Archive Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The standing stone is a Scheduled Ancient Monument <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015843" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015843">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Antiquarian reports from 1827 suggested that a double stone circle once stood on Heddon Hill (now Bygate Hill). The inner circle was described as being 60 yards in diameter with an outer concentric circle 15 to 20 yards from it. At the centre was a standing stone over 3m high. The stone circles and central stone were said to have been broken up for gateposts and walls. However, later descriptions suggest that the 'stone circle' was in fact the remains of a prehistoric settlement, including possible hut circles. Traces of an earth bank were later reported close to the highest point of the hill, but detailed investigation couldn't be carried out as it was covered by a dense fir plantation <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/collections/nsmr03abstracts/10236.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/collections/nsmr03abstracts/10236.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Megalithic Portal: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=7073" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=7073">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Modern Antiquarian: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/3342/bygate_hill.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/3342/bygate_hill.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Bygate Hill Standing Stone
A standing stone of Bronze Age date, situated on the highest part of Bygate Hill now within a forest plantation. The stone, which is much weathered in appearance is 1.1 metre high and 0.6 metres by 0.65 metres wide. It is fashioned from a large block of stone which is square in profile and leans slightly to the south east. If it wasn't for the dense forest plantation in which the stone is now embedded, the hilltop location would command extensive views in all directions, including north to the Simonside Hills. Pastscape: LinkExternal link Archive LinkExternal link The standing stone is a Scheduled Ancient Monument LinkExternal link Antiquarian reports from 1827 suggested that a double stone circle once stood on Heddon Hill (now Bygate Hill). The inner circle was described as being 60 yards in diameter with an outer concentric circle 15 to 20 yards from it. At the centre was a standing stone over 3m high. The stone circles and central stone were said to have been broken up for gateposts and walls. However, later descriptions suggest that the 'stone circle' was in fact the remains of a prehistoric settlement, including possible hut circles. Traces of an earth bank were later reported close to the highest point of the hill, but detailed investigation couldn't be carried out as it was covered by a dense fir plantation LinkExternal link Megalithic Portal: LinkExternal link Modern Antiquarian: LinkExternal link
Bygate Hill Standing Stone See description here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5055030">NZ0677 : Bygate Hill Standing Stone</a>
Small pebbles and monetary offerings have been left within the grooves on the top of the stone and there are a few wind-chimes and celtic ornaments hanging from the surrounding trees.
Bygate Hill Standing Stone
See description here NZ0677 : Bygate Hill Standing Stone Small pebbles and monetary offerings have been left within the grooves on the top of the stone and there are a few wind-chimes and celtic ornaments hanging from the surrounding trees.
Show me another place!

Bygate Crofts is located at Grid Ref: NZ0776 (Lat: 55.085364, Lng: -1.886458)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

What 3 Words

///refusals.invoices.launch. Near Meldon, Northumberland

Nearby Locations

Sharp Law Bygate Crofts

Related Wikis

Black Heddon

Black Heddon is a village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Belsay, in the county of Northumberland, England. It is situated to the north-west...

Bitchfield Tower

Bitchfield Tower or West Bitchfield Tower is a 15th-century medieval pele tower near Belsay, Northumberland, England. It is a Grade I listed building.The...

Belsay Hall

Belsay Hall is a Regency style country house located at Belsay, Northumberland. It is regarded as the first British country house to be built entirely...

Belsay Castle

Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle situated at Belsay, Northumberland, England. It is a Scheduled Monument and a Grade I listed building.The...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.085364,-1.886458
Bygate Crofts
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.0853665/-1.886324
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Bygate Crofts?

Leave your review of Bygate Crofts below (or comments, questions and feedback).