Mid 18th century threshing barn at Sharps Farm, Latchingdon (EHER 83283)

A mid 18th century timber framed and weatherboarded threshing barn on the west side of a central yard which is set back from the road and to the rear of the farmhouse.

October 2024. Building recording. A mid 18th century timber framed and weatherboarded threshing barn on the west side of a central yard which is set back from the road and to the rear of the farmhouse. See also EHER 83284 for a similar barn on the east side of the yard. The barn has five bays and a central waggon porch facing the yard, which has a visually striking projecting gable. The bays are divided by large arch braces morticed and pegged between the principal posts and beams. The timber used for the structure is elm and the construction techniques suggest a mid 18th century date. The roof is now finished with 20th century corrugated iron sheets, but beneath the sheets there remain battens for a previous finish of thatch. The two barns were designed for the storage and processing of corn on the straw. Plausibly one barn may have been designated for wheat and the other for barley. Remarkably, the threshing floor in the west barn retains its probably original surface of herringbone brickwork. There is a later storage loft in the south half of the west barn. This barn also has a later manger attached to its north wall, suggesting this part functioned as a stable at one point. Most threshing barns in the Maldon District date from the late 18th century or later. As reasonably well-preserved examples of mid 18th century threshing barns the two barns at Sharps Farm are of notable architectural and historic interest. Their carpentry is of good quality, and the brick threshing floor in the west barn is a special survival. The west barn is the least altered but in the worst condition. Roof leaks have caused serious decay to the frame in some areas, which threatens the survival of the building if not remedied soon. Considering the poor condition of the west barn and the degree of alteration to the east barn , the barns probably do not merit national designation as listed (EHER X) buildings. They do, however, posses local heritage value for their architectural interest. <1>