Barn at Brands Farmhouse (EHER 37795)

Late 16th century timber-framed barn.

1999. Building survey. On stylistic grounds, the origins of the present structure lie in the late 16th or early 17ft century, though the reuse of timbers and their correspondence with elements contained within the farmhouse may suggest that a 15th century building has been effectively dismantled and reconstructed in a different and more complex manner. Identifying specific medieval timbers is, however, problematical. The building displays no sign of having been shortened during its life. The general agreement of elements within the gable ends and wagon porch, together with the presence of jowl posts suggests a 17th century date. The eastern side has been redone, possibly as a result of early subsidence, perhaps in the later part of the century, much of which accords with the general design of the roof. The recurrence of the same problem resulted in piecemeal repair in the 19th century with the addition of braces and new studwork, the replacement of the wagon porch roof and the brick flogging of some tower sections The brick sill, which created a foundation extending to at least 0.7 m beneath the ground level may have cured the problem, though not the continuing lean, and buttressing to the wagon porch reflects attempts to shore up the structure. Softwood replacement of elm weatherboard and ds reflects continuous occasional maintenance of the building. An upright slot on the western door may indicate the presence of a former leap, used to contain the grain when winnowing. The insertion of a concrete rendered plinth was probably occasioned by a change of use of the building from a traditional barn storage area to a livestock died. Overall, the barn is a good, but simple example of an early post-medieval agricultural building in typical local style, which has been repaired and maintained throughout its life. <1>