Whiteley Shield Bastle is a 16th century rectangular stone two storey defensible farmhouse and represents at least three periods of building. Sadly this extended bastle is ruinous and only its two gable ends now stand to any height. The middle building in the range, is bastle shaped and could have been the first building on the site. The eastern bastle displays two southern narrow slit lights and in the eastern gable wall, an attractive doorway, with a triangular shaped stone head and tunnels for a drawbar. The later square western building which had a lean-to built against its north wall, is said to be a byre, with living accommodation above. The strong walls, with a removable stair up to the living quarters and a ground floor for stores and their livestock, provided a shelter from the cross-border reivers, until help arrived. 3 miles north is Ninebanks Tower.