Cumberland Bastion on Berwick's Ramparts

Originally known as Middle Mount, the bastion was re-named in 1746 to commemorate the Duke of Cumberland who passed through Berwick on his way to confront the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden. Berwick's fortifications were built between 1558 and 1569 when there was a real threat of invasion from the Scots. Berwick was the first northern European town to be defended by this system of rampart and bastion, the most advanced technology of its time. These defences were never tested as the Union of the Crowns in 1603 ended the threat of Scottish invasion. Cumberland Bastion was one of the 5 strong points set around the walls. This flanker contained short-range artillery that could scour the ditch with grapeshot, dealing with any enemy attempting to scale the walls. The defences were aligned so that guns in the flankers could give supporting crossfire along the face of the neighbouring bastion.

Timings & Tours

Friday 13 September:

1300-1600

Saturday 14 September:

1100-1600

Sunday 15 September:

1200-1600

Location & directions

Cumberland Bastion, Coxon's Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1DD

Directions:

Entrance to the Bastion is at the top of Coxon's Lane near the carpark

Contact on day:

Berwick HODS Team

Telephone number:

+447365800503

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

There is a short tunnel to walk through which is dark.

Additional information

There are other sites open nearby including Berwick Visitor Centre and Berwick Barracks. There are also various sites open around the Walls if you want to do a circular walk.

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