| Abstract: |
Following the submission of a planning application for works at South Farm Rennington by Northumberland Estates, a programme of archaeological building recording was requested by The Conservation Team, Northumberland County Council. Bernicia Archaeology was appointed by Northumberland Estates to undertake this work. The project was to focus on two Grade-II Listed buildings, one a tri-functional structure (Bothy, Cart House with Granary over) and the other an external privy and garden / sheep fold wall. The Bothy, Cart House and Granary, a stylish sandstone structure externally, were in a poor state of repair internally. Included within the building recording project were two structures located on the north east side of the farm complex, fronting the south side of Rennington Village green. These structures were of recognisably earlier build than the granary group of structures; this was confirmed through map and document research. The remains of an east-west aligned structure was also identified, through both documentary evidence and identification of architectural features. The function of all of the north structures became apparent, from east to west, the north east structure (north-south aligned) was likely to be a stable or byre, incorporating an earlier east-west aligned structure with arches facing onto a partially enclosed fold on its south side. From the north-west aligned structures, only the westernmost gable and wall returns survive. This structure or structures initially functioned as farm offices, followed by a conversion to a mill, with a wheel house added to the north elevation of the structure. This conversion went hand-in-hand with the construction of a mill reservoir to the west, and a lade supplying the water to the wheel house. The pit for the wheel house survives, although the iron wheel has been removed. A vertical drive shaft and large upper cog still remains in situ attached to the north wall of the Mill / Threshing Barn. |
