| Abstract: |
Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd. (NAA) was commissioned by P & G Durbin Properties to undertake a phase of archaeological building recording at the Grade II listed Thirley Cotes Farm, Harwood Dale, North Yorkshire (NGR: SE 97591 95054 Fig. 1). This was conducted as part of a mitigation programme associated with the conversion of the property to holiday accommodation (Planning Ref.: NYM/2019/0101/LB).Thirley Cotes Farm is a courtyard farm comprising a series of ranges built around a central courtyard. The buildings are primarily constructed of local sandstone, with some later brick. The farmhouse, former stables, and main barn have previously been converted. The remaining buildings—the west and south range, and the cart shed—form the subject of this report.The Farm was one of a number of properties built by the Hackness Estate in the first half of the 19th century. Cartographic evidence suggests it was set out in a single phase of build prior to 1854, with subsequent modification over the following century in response to broader changes in farming practice. The east, north and west ranges, together with the farmhouse, formed part of the original farmstead, with the cart shed, north-west range and south range all being added by the end of the 19th century. The linear south range was rebuilt (or substantially modified) in the first decade of the 20th century when it was replaced by two structures, only the western section of which remains standing today. Externally the west range has been little altered since construction, save for the addition of an outshot on the west side.The primary heritage significance of Thirley Cotes Farm derives from its evidential and historic values as a planned agricultural complex associated with the ‘high farming’ period in the early to mid-19th century. This saw the implementation of numerous advances in agricultural production and stock management, together with the widespread introduction of mechanised farming techniques to meet the increased demand of the growing industrialised nation. The west and south ranges are good examples of livestock accommodation and, together with the cart shed, provide an insight into the layout and development of a Victorian farm over time.This report presents the results of a Level 2 survey, comprising a photographic, written and drawn record of the interior and exterior of the three buildings proposed for conversion, and a Level 1 survey of the farmstead complex as a whole. It has facilitated a greater understanding of the form, layout and development of Thirley Cotes and, together with the archive, is considered to serve as a suitable record to mitigate against any potential loss of heritage significance arising from the proposed holiday let conversion. |
