17th century timber-framed barn at Wolseys Farm, Duton Hill, Great Easton (EHER 37526)

A significant 17th century timber-framed barn located in yard C.

October 2007. Level 3 building survey. Barn 7 is one of the older more important structures on the site, broadly contemporary with barn 1, byre 4 and possibly building 10. Its well-converted oak framing, use of straight primary-bracing with a strong pegging pattern and butt-purlin roof, suggest it was built some time in the late 17th century. Unfortunately, its large open interior has lead to more recent use as a grain processing/storage facility and much of the southern bays are taken up with machinery and other equipment, including an overhead walkway, making recording works difficult. Sheds have been added to the east side to feed the grain into the building and a large silo house built onto the south end, replacing a mid 19th century addition. Despite these changes, the build fabric remains in particularly good order, with comparatively little damage caused to the barn’s framing. The barn is raised on a high red brick plinth and comprises a central midstrey projecting to the east and opposing doors to the west. The walls are primary-braced and built in oak and boarded. The roof is pitched at a steep 55º angle with gabled ends, swept eaves and a weathered tile covering. The west elevation is the first to be viewed on entry to the farm. Its exterior is largely feature-free, apart from its centrally-placed cart doors. Evidence in the internal framing show these are not original features but have been inserted into the wall fabric. They probably date to the setting out of the yards and it is interesting to note the difference in height between the threshold and existing ground level, which is eight brick courses down, approximately 0.7m. The doors are unusual in having short braces and extra ledges, but seem common on the site. The ledges extend beyond the doors, to mesh together like teeth and ensure a good fit. Above the doors is an in-filled area to a former pitching hatch, itself a secondary feature. Below is a deep section framed leap board, a rare survival. The board is held either side by the jowled bases to the inserted door posts, one of which is carved (on the north side) while the other is nailed. A much later addition on this side is the grain chute hanging under the eaves between the doors and yard entrance. <1>