Sixteenth century timber framed barn, The Essex Barn, Cotton's Farm, Sculpin's Lane, Wethersfield (EHER 80191)

A 16th century timber framed three bay barn with porch, rebuilt in the 19th century using the old frame and extended to the South using an additional timber frame, total five bays.

August 2013. Heritage assessment. A 16th century timber framed three bay barn with porch, rebuilt in the 19th century using the old frame and extended to the South using an additional timber frame, total five bays. It's roof is mid 20th century asbestos corrugated sheets and it is clad with 20th century weatherboards. The floor is lined with a 19th century asphalt layer that has been patched with concrete. In the Eastern elevation, the full height doors have been removed and the opening reduced to create an opening for two late 20th or early 21st century plywood doors. A crudely made, large 18 pane window has been inserted. The Southern elevation has a centrally placed hayloft door and the remains of a galvanised duct which would have passed into the barn via an opening below which still remains. In the Western elevation is a full height midstrey porch with a reduced doorway to incorporate two late 19th century vertically boarded, gate and ledger, softwood doors hung on wrought iron pintles. The porch has a half-hip roof with metal rainwater goods. The barn is represented in its current position on the 1777 map of Essex. Internally, there is evidence that the barn has been dismantled and rebuilt, using new studs and unjowled corner posts, this may have been around the turn of the 19th century. The building adjoins The Stables on it Western elevation. A makeshift 20th century machine shelter is attached to the Eastern elevation. <1>