Wing Of Former Barton Old Hall, Circa 20 Metres South Of Old Hall Farmhouse

This is a detached wing of the former Barton Old Hall manor house, now used as a barn and shippon. The wing likely dates to the 16th century or earlier and has been altered over time. It is timber framed and has brick cladding from the 18th century and the early 20th century, all under a slate roof. The building has a rectangular plan with six bays.

The front (east) side now has entrances, but the original window positions are no longer visible. Brick walling on the front and rear is interrupted by planks fixed to the internal timber frame, indicating the position of posts that rise approximately 2 metres above ground level. A 3-light timber window frame with a sill, moulded mullions, and head remains at first floor in the rear of the fifth bay. The head of a similar window survives in the rear of the second bay. The north gable wall has a high stone plinth and, hidden by a wooden lean-to shed at ground floor, displays a timber frame for a 32-light mullion and transom window (believed to be in its current location). Above this, at first floor in the centre of the gable, are fragments of a 4-light window flanked by chevron-pattern framing which rises to the tie beam; the gable above is concealed by boarding. The south gable wall is obscured at ground floor by an attached bungalow, but the tie beam and chevron-framing of the gable are visible.

The interior retains much of the original timber framing, exhibiting a high quality of decorative detail comparable to those of the principal manor houses in the county, such as Samlesbury Hall. Ground floor principal posts and main joists feature stepped (or interrupted) cyma recta moulding, while the floor joists have ogee-shaped moulding. The first-floor roof has alternating king post trusses and open trusses, supported by straight bracing to two pairs of butt purlins. The purlins retain traces of black and white chevron painted decoration. Below the open trusses at each end are the framing members of ceilings inserted at an early date, with double roll moulding on the soffits. A brick partition has been inserted in the centre of the third bay at ground floor and in the middle truss at first floor.

The building may have been constructed by Richard Barton around 1532-71, who inherited the Barton estate in 1554 and married twice. The building's original purpose is uncertain due to the absence of heating evidence; it may have been a retainers' hall for occasional use. Local tradition suggests Barton Old Hall was damaged by fire in 1617, allegedly orchestrated by Richard Shuttleworth to avoid entertaining James I.