Early to mid 19th century farm buildings, Duddenhoe Grange (EHER 48279)

Former farm buildings at Duddenhoe Grange.

2013. Building survey. Technical analysis revealed a series of early to mid 19th century agricultural buildings surrounding a central courtyard, constructed on the principles of typical Victorian model farming. The barn (Building 1) forms the most prominent, eastern side of the complex and is remarkably well preserved, with substantially complete timber-framing, original doors, threshing leaps and locking bars as well as associated ironwork. It also retains an unusual truss system reminiscent of industrial buildings. A long range on the north (Building 2) is also in good condition and most probably formed livestock accommodation or a milking parlour. A cart shed (Building 4) and storage building (Building 3) on the south have been modified for modern use though still retain their original structural form. All buildings appear to have escaped 1950s and 1960s statutory modifications which is often found to compromise timber fabric. The barn dominates the complex, being taller than its companions. It is timber-framed and weather-boarded over a high brick plinth, and has a grey slate roof. The weather-boarding is mostly circular-sawn softwood, and all treated with the usual preservative. The brick plinth is constructed of typical early 19th century fabric laid in a mixture of English and Flemish bond. This is relatively undisturbed, with little sign of repair. The barn is of seven bays, with a wider central threshing bay. The structure is supported by an unusual truss system of alternating queenpost trusses (which rise to the principal rafters rather than to a collar in the conventional manner), and open trusses with long braces and collars. The wall framing follows a conventional 19th century primary-braced system, and is notable for being remarkably complete. Building 2 is a long, nine-bay building originally used to house livestock spans the northern side of the courtyard. It is timber-framed and weatherboarded over a low dwarf wall, with a peg-tile roof. Building 3 is a single-storey, timber-framed structure with a pan-tile roof. Building 4 is a four-bay timber cart shed which was once open to the courtyard, though now blocked with weather-boarding. <1>