18th and 19th century farm complex at Elms Farm (EHER 47256)

The 2010 building survey documented the 18th and 19th century farm buildings. A 2010 watching brief also identified a cobbled surface, perhaps indicating the earlier post-medieval farm.

April 2010. Watching brief and building survey. In its association with an undefined moated enclosure, the occupation of the site of The Elms has likely medieval origins. Archaeological monitoring to the north-west of the farmhouse found no remains of the medieval farmstead and it is likely such remains were either removed when the present complex was built or lie further to the east, closer to the house. The location and outline of the moat is difficult to define on the ground and no evidence for it was encountered in any of the monitored areas. From its construction, it would appear that barn 1 belongs to the 18th century. The quality of timber is low, some timbers are reused, but the main bracing has echoes of the curved form. Bolted knee braces, introduced in the latter part of the century are absent, and it is therefore more likely to date to the earlier part of the 18th century. Its original appearance is similar to its present form, with walls boarded in the bottom half and plastered in lime render at the top; a traditional Essex form. Thus its light frame was concealed and strengthened by its covering. The extra diamond-shaped bracing added extra strength against the gusty west wind. Inside, plaster was applied between the studwork in the lower half that would have kept out draughts and provided some level of insulation against the cold. Monitoring works identified the presence of a cobble/flint spread that was insufficient to be an earlier yard surface or floor, and was more likely added to consolidate the ground beneath the southern corner of the barn. The hip on the western end of barn 1 most likely matched one on the opposite end of the aisled barn, since removed, seeing as the aisled barn predates it. However, it is still not clear whether the 18th century barn was built onto the existing barn, perhaps replacing the west end, or if the aisled barn was reassembled from elsewhere. Since very few of the reused timbers in barn 1 are likely to come from the earlier barn, perhaps the later option should be considered, though there is every reason to suggest that the barn was reused from the site. The early farm complex was spread out across two areas, one around the house and the other amidst presumed pastureland to the west. During the 19th century the farm grew around the yard by the house, while the open character of the other part remained the same. The rubbly made-ground and clayey levelling deposits seen in the service trench and under barn 2 probably relate to this phase of construction. Neither of the two western structures survive, one of which had the form of a barn. A second barn on a modest farm like this would appear excessive and suggests the barns had dual functions for livestock and crop storage. Brick ranges were built to the south and east of the main yard, the former of which seems to have been built in two or more stages, according to the map evidence, though this is not clear from its construction. However, it is possible the present U-shaped building replaced the L-shaped structure and belongs to the late 19th century and this would suit the dominant use of machine-sawn timber in the main construction. Many fixtures and fittings associated with animal use (troughs, hay and harness racks, etc) no longer remain. The late 19th century farm evolved into an ‘improved’ complex that was based around a central yard and a cattle yard between the brick range and barn. Another yard was located to the north-east that may have been used as a paddock. During the harvest, the loaded carts entered the barn from the yard, where the midstrey is higher and once unloaded either side, exited through the porch. Gates led out to fields at the south from the cart shed and out to pasture to the west. Cattle were driven into the yard and tethered up or placed in the central part that acted as a (rather narrow) cow house. There were loose boxes for calving and sick animals and probably a cart shed on the east side, facing away from the yard. The western side is supposed to be a mirror image and probably contained a feed store and utility shed. Other structures that have not survived would have performed other farming functions. <1>