Barn west of Sibleys Farmhouse (EHER 37508)

Late 16th century aisled barn.

2010. Building survey. The barn originally had three bays with a narrower central bay framing a plain loading door. This was later raised in height and a second doorway created on the opposing wall. The framing on the long elevations was originally filled with wattle and daub panels, but these were later replaced with render and weather-boarding. In the later 17th century, the barn was extended by two further bays in broadly similar style, a 'terminus ante-quem' for which is provided by an inscribed date of 1683. Almost all the original timber-work of the late 16th century survives in remarkably good condition. Later intervention has been minimal but modern external repair is evident. The eastern extension has been affected by repair and remodelling to a greater degree, having lost the lower framing on two sides, though the original form can be reconstructed with confidence. <1> A section of wall painting (may not be related to the floral painting referred in the list description) was stored on the barn floor for many years but moved prior to new ownership, January 2010. The artwork consists of a brightly coloured cartouche painting. Surviving sections of wall painting have been cut from a larger scheme and inserted into the heavy timber-frame taken from a building in which they are now located. Subsequent damage has caused the painting to break into five large fragments within the sections of this frame. As the barn is up for sale Saffron Walden Museum propose to remove the wall painting from the barn and acquire it in order to conserve and preserve it. At minimum, they propose to take measurements and a photographic record. <2> See: <3>