Post-medieval farmyard at Hales Farmhouse, Abbess Roding (EHER 81788)

A predominantly 19th century farmyard that contains one late 16th to early 17th century timber-framed barn.

March 2013. Building survey. Historic building recording was done for the associated farmyard. The courtyard of farm buildings at Hales Farm has gradually evolved over the years. The previous barn and stable were probably the only buildings until the 19th century when the open shed was constructed. Open cattle sheds like this (if indeed it was originally open) are often seen in 19th century farming illustrations but don't seem to survive in large numbers, and they are always adapted, as here. The long slate-roofed stock shed is typical of a type which became very common in the mid 19th century, reflecting the increased use of manure-producing livestock as part of the mixed farming system which intensified during the 'High Farming' era. It was probably during this period that the old working horse stable was adapted to become a 'nag stable', for the farmer’s driving horse and trap. The slump in corn prices and agricultural depression from the 1880s onwards explain why few additions or alterations were made to the farmyard between 1870 and 1930. The rebuilding of the barn, known to be formerly timber and thatch, is most unusual in replicating the shape of a traditional barn but in 1930s materials. The later alterations to the farm buildings relate mainly to the insertion and addition of pigsties, with poultry in the barn. <1>