Building record 1215301000 - BARN AT BROOKEND FARM

Grade II. C18. Timber-framed; weather-boarded; hand-made tile roof partly projecting on west as dovecote. Central wagon entrance with roof dropping to ground floor either side (B1).
In March 2002, a detailed building survey was commisioned prior to conversion. The survey noted several points of interest including the fact that the barn formed part of the Dropmore Estate created by Lord and Lady Greville from 1792 and hence was a good example of estate building. The barn had an unusual framing pattern, wth mid rails being supported on braces rather than tennoned into the principal posts. The barn was built as a threshing barn and has three bays built of precise square sawn softwood. A system of carpenter marks and tallys were clearly visble along with several carpentry 'errors'. The pigeon loft at the west end was a rare survival and is almost square in plan. There are doors to the N and S so that loft is only accessible from the lean-tos. The indoor privy was also noted as rare survival. There is considerable surviving documentary evidence for the farm dating back to 1235. From 1649 onwards, there is a detailed list of all successive ownership and identures for both the farm and Brook End House. It is thought that the barn itself dates from the early 1800s using timbers from the estate's sawmill. The original complex consisted of the barn and two lean-tos at the front. The pigeon house and its two flanking wings at the west end and the stables to the east end appear to have been added a few years later. Lean-to 5 was added in the late 20th century (B2).