| Abstract: |
The report consists of a brief historical background to the site of Barwickstead, and a description and photographic record of the buildings. Photographs were taken using digital photography of all external elevations, and where safe to do so, of internal elevations although for safety reasons some areas could not be fully accessed. Detailed photographs were also taken of fixtures and fittings of historic or archaeological interest. The listing description says that the barn at Barwickstead dates to 1858, seemingly based on that date on rainwater hoppers on the house. It was certainly in existence by 1867 when it was shown on the Ordnance Survey map of that date. Associated buildings which have also been described in this report include the Hennery-Piggery, also Grade II listed and also referred to as dating to 1858, and ancillary buildings which were constructed between 1867 and 1899, based on historic mapping.
The barn is an example of a bank barn, with evidence for it having served multiple functions: as stabling for horses, as a byre (cowhouse), and as a threshing barn on the first floor. It is possible that a now-lost building which was formerly located against the east elevation, may have been a cart shed. The barn has been well-constructed and contains architectural detailing which suggests a higher status site than many traditional farm buildings in Cumbria. It is possible that the stable part of the ground floor may have been modified historically, as the two doorways in the east elevation appear to have been inserted or adapted, and the presence of stable fittings provided by Musgraves of Belfast may suggest a later 19th century date.
The ancillary buildings to the west of the barn, appear to have served possibly as a housing for a horse-gang stabling, storage and a boiler room for the greenhouse in the garden. The Hennery-Piggery is believed to be contemporary with the house and the barn. It is an intact example of a small structure used on the farmstead to house pigs and hens. There is high quality architectural detailing, and surviving features such as the sandstone troughs, wooden hatches and remains of decorative iron railings.
The farm buildings at Barwickstead are of a high quality reflecting the status of its original and subsequent owners. They retain historic plan forms, features and fittings which allow the structures to be easily understood. The buildings should not be seen in isolation, but as part of a group of structures and features which include the original house (now divided into three units), boundary walls, cobbled yard and the walled gardens to the rear. |
