Kilnsike Tower

The remains of a 16th century bastle house stand in a field by the minor road from Jedburgh to Chesters.

Although named Kilnsike Tower, this is a good example of a 16th century bastle house, or fortified farmhouse, which would have provided shelter against Borders reivers (raiders). A lower floor provided a store and protection for a few livestock, while a movable stair and a virtual absence of windows gave non-combatants the means to hold out on the upper floor until help could arrive. PLEASE NOTE that Kilnsike Tower is on private lands and should only be viewed from the public road.

Dent, J & McDonald R, 2000. Warfare and Fortifications in the Borders.