Post-medieval farm buildings, Rolls Farm, Hastingwood Road (EHER 47260)

Recording works were undertaken in 2009 on a probable late 17th century semi-aisled barn and two brick-built Victorian ranges in advance of residential conversion.

See references <1> to <8> for background information on the site. See EHER 4226 for Rolls Farmhouse. July 2009. Building recording. Recording works were undertaken on a probable late 17th century semi-aisled barn and two brick-built Victorian ranges in advance of residential conversion. They are located within a medieval moated site that may be contemporary with a 15th century cross-wing within the 17th century Grade II-listed farmhouse. The barn, originally of five bays, is timber-framed and boarded with a tiled roof and appears to have been extended around the early 18th century to form an eight bay construction. Concrete grain silos have been added at the east end, obscuring all of the wall framing to the extension, while framing in the main part is also missing in places. The two Victorian ranges are well-built in yellow brick. The main range (east) comprises a granary, stable, tack room and former cart shed along with service buildings for the house, while the west range was a former shelter shed. These have been altered internally but retain much of their historic character externally. A southern range, built of Fletton bricks, was constructed in the 20th century along with a covered yard to create a large cow house. The structures belong to a wealthy post-medieval and Victorian farmstead. The barn is wellbuilt for the period but only retains part of its framing, preventing full analysis. The eastern range is built of brick and has a Regency-style grandeur, reflective of contemporary model farm architecture. The west range is slightly later but blends in with the planned unit attached to the earlier barn. Internal fixtures and fittings have been removed. Rolls Farm has adopted the plan form of a typical Victorian mixed farmstead during two phases of agricultural improvement in the early and late 19th century. The barn was retained at the top end, with stables and animal ranges either side of a large central yard. The main structures retain some architectural significance individually and as a group for their use of materials, design and setting alongside the Listed farmhouse and moat. <9>