Title: |
White Kirkley Farm Range, Frosterley, County Durham: Historic Building Recording |
Series: |
Northern Archaeological Associates unpublished report series
|
Downloads: |
northern1-430859_189322_1.pdf (15 MB)
:
|
Download
|
|
Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
|
DOI |
|
Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
|
Abstract: |
A Level 2 descriptive Historic Building Survey was undertaken at White Kirkley Farm, and focused on a farm range to the north-east of the main complex. A rapid survey of readily available documentary and cartographic material was completed. Fieldwork consisted of enhancing and annotating existing architects drawings, and where necessary completing a new measured survey. A full photographic record of the interior and the exterior was conducted. Additional specialist recording was required to capture an area of graffiti. This involved taking a series of overlapping photographs which were stitched together to create an orthomosaic using Agisoft Metashape Professional photogrammetry software. The results were further enhanced using Adobe Photoshop. The results from the research and the fieldwork were described and analyzed within one report. A Level 2 Historic Building Survey was undertaken of an agricultural farm range at White Kirkley. The farm lies on the south bank of Bollihope Burn, c.1km south of Frosterley and c.25km west of Durham. The farm range is located to the north-east of the main farmyard and to the east of the farmhouse. It comprises three buildings built of random-coursed rubble from locally sourced stone. The two main structures have timber roofs supporting pegged natural stone slates set in diminishing courses.
Although at first glance the farm range seems to comprise a simple sequence incorporating a barn, a byre and a lean-to structure, its evolution is far more complex. The building in the middle of the range – the byre – is the earliest structure, and although not depicted on the 1839 tithe map potentially dates to the 18th or early 19th century. It was probably first built as a cottage to perhaps house local farm- or quarry-workers. Heating was provided by a chimney at first floorlevel. Later, a two-storey barn was added to the west, with animal accommodation below and hayloft above. At some point after, the early cottage was reduced in height and converted for use as a byre. The upper floor of the barn was then converted for domestic use, with the addition of a chimney, a lathe and plaster ceiling, and wall cupboard.
Graffiti was observed at first-floor level within the barn and additional recording was undertaken to enable its closer examination. Much of the graffiti consisted of names and initials which represent otherwise invisible people, unassociated with the more formal historical records of the farm. However, there were also markings which could be linked to the Robson family who farmed White Kirkley for over 100 years from the late 1840s through to 1968.
The lean-to structure at the east end of the range was the last to be added. This was constructed in the late 19th century, probably for the storage of a cart or similar farm machinery.
The two main buildings were further adapted to accommodate more modern farming practices. The first floor of the barn was removed, and larger ‘cart’ doors added to accommodate modern machinery. These doors were reinforced by steel bars and columns.
The graffiti present within the barn included several dates, all of which span the 20th century. These dates can be used to suggest that the first floor was removed at some point after 1950 and possibly during the 1960s. |
Author: |
Kate Chapman
|
Publisher: |
Northern Archaeological Associates
|
Year of Publication: |
2022
|
Locations: |
District: |
County Durham |
Parish: |
Stanhope |
Country: |
England |
County: |
Durham |
Grid Reference: 402749, 535969 (Easting, Northing)
|
|
Subjects / Periods: |
|
Identifiers: |
OASIS Id: |
northern1-430859 |
Report id: |
21-86 |
|
Note: |
This report was uploaded to the OASIS system by the named Publisher. The report has been transferred into the ADS Library for public access and to facilitate future research.
|
Source: |
|
Relations: |
|
Created Date: |
23 Aug 2022 |