Mid to late 19th century engine shed, Roundbush Farm (EHER 81691)

An engine shed built in the space between the 19th century barn (EHER 81690) and late 18th century granary (EHER 81692), at some time between 1846 and 1873. It was used to house an oil engine to power the chaff-cutter. A, now demolished, lean-to was also present to the rear (north).

January 2001. Heritage assessment. A mid to late 19th century engine shed, dating to between 1946 and 1873. This was created in a fairly 'ad hoc' way by roofing over the space between the 19th century barn (EHER 81690) to the west and late 18th granary to the east (EHER 81692), but only to the width of the granary. A stud and brickwork wall was built at the back and weatherboarded over, with a door next to the barn leading to a now-missing lean-to. There is now blockwork at the front and a plywood door. The present floor is of concrete and the roof covering corrugated tin sheeting. Its 19th century function is not known, but by 1912 an insurance policy refers to a timber and iron 'Dynamo House and accumulator room' adjoining the barns, with an adjacent 'Engine House' for the 8HP oil engine. In the mid 20th century it was still an engine shed, the narrow 'cupboard door' in the west wall of the granary enclosing the engine belt, which was used to power the chaff-cutter and other mixing and chopping equipment. The 1829/30 Map Book and the 1846 Tithe Map show the Wheat Barn and granary with a gap between them, whereas by the time of the 1873 OS map the gap has been filled in. This gives a date bracket of 1846-1873, although in fact the back wall is probably the only part which is original. <1> See photos <2>.