Topics > Historical Periods > Middle Ages (1154 to 1485 AD) > Medieval Shielings
Medieval Shielings
Shielings were small, seasonal shelters built for herdsmen looking after livestock on summer pastures, often in upland or marshy areas. These huts are evidence of transhumance, a pastoral system where animals were moved from lowland farms in the spring to communal, higher grazing grounds during the warmer months. While this practice dates back to the Bronze Age (c. 2000–700 BC), specialized shepherd huts, distinct from permanent farmhouses, began appearing in the early medieval period (c. AD 450) and were widely used until the end of the 16th century. They were typically constructed of stone or turf and could be found alone or in clusters.
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Four medieval shielings on south bank of White Lyne overlooking confluence with Little Hare Grain
- This group of four Medieval shielings is in a remote area about 3½ miles north of Bewcastle. The remains are situated by the White Lyne in an area which is …
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Ten medieval shielings on north bank of White Lyne overlooking confluence with Little Hare Grain
- Scheduled Monument (#1016404): Ten medieval shielings on north bank of White Lyne overlooking confluence with Little Hare Grain Click the headings below to expand (selected extracts from the Historic England …
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Medieval Shielings by the White Lyne
- The valley of the White Lyne, particularly around the Bewcastle Fells, was used Lords of Burgh on Solway for summer cattle grazing from the 13th to the 17th centuries. A …
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Two medieval shielings on south bank of White Lyne 230m north east of confluence with little Hare Grain
- Scheduled Monument (#1016393): Two medieval shielings on south bank of White Lyne 230m north east of confluence with little Hare Grain Click the headings below to expand (selected extracts from …
Co-Curate Page
Four medieval shielings on south bank of White Lyne overlooking confluence with Little Hare Grain
- This group of four Medieval shielings is in a remote area about 3½ miles north of Bewcastle. The remains are situated by the White Lyne in an area which is …
Co-Curate Page
Ten medieval shielings on north bank of White Lyne overlooking confluence with Little Hare Grain
- Scheduled Monument (#1016404): Ten medieval shielings on north bank of White Lyne overlooking confluence with Little Hare Grain Click the headings below to expand (selected extracts from the Historic England …
Co-Curate Page
Medieval Shielings by the White Lyne
- The valley of the White Lyne, particularly around the Bewcastle Fells, was used Lords of Burgh on Solway for summer cattle grazing from the 13th to the 17th centuries. A …
