Gilsland village is unique in that parts of it are actualy in two counties, three parishes...even two parliamentary divisions. Running through the centre is Poltross Burn which marks the boundary between Cumbria and Northumberland. The parishes of Denton Upper and Waterhead are in Cumbria, whilst Thirlwall is in Northumberland.
The Spa Hotel is one of the first buildings that attracts visitors attention. From its site there are some quite magnificent views of the Alston fells and the Lake District mountains. The Spa Hotel was formerly a convalescent home where miners and others came for the sulphur, iron water, and bracing air.
Gilsland is associated with Sir Walter Scott who stayed at the Spa in 1797. He actualy met, and later married, a local lass, Charlotte Carpenter, though the actual marriage took place in Carlisle Cathedral (on Christmas Eve 1797). Here, too, is what is commonly referred to as 'The Popping Stone', and this is the local name for the spot where he 'popped' the question. Regretfully, many visitors have chipped away half the stone for souvenirs. Near too is 'The Kissing Bush'.
Nearby Birdoswald is a unique section of Hadrians Wall, along with an informative Visitors Centre. It is located in one of the most picturesque settings along the whole of Hadrian's Wall, overlooking the Irthing Gorge. It is unique because at no other point along the Roman Wall can all the components of the Roman frontier system be found together in such a small area. The history of the fort begins in AD 122 with the construction of Hadrians turf wall. Evidence for one of the later stone turrets on this wall has been found, together with a tented camp to the south of the site. Recent excavations have revealed the west gate of the fort, two
granaries, a workshop, and smithy, together with a basilica for indoor military training.
By 1200-1215 Birdoswald is mentioned by name in a series of charters as the home of one Radulph de Birdoswald. A building, a hollow-way and pottery of this period found near the west gate show that the Roman gate was still in use some 1,200 years after it had been built. By 1600 the gate was no longer in use and the current defensible bastle house had been erected.
