L Shaped Barn At Sheppen Fields

The L-shaped barn at Sheppen Fields is a former longhouse that has been converted into a barn. It likely dates from the mid-15th century and was extended in the early 17th century, with additional alterations made later. The structure is timber framed with cruck construction, partially covered in weatherboarding and encased in red brick and uncoursed limestone rubble. The original thatched roof has been replaced with corrugated iron. The barn is aligned east-west, with animal accommodation located at the lower (west) end. A cross-wing was added around 1625, and an ashlar stack was inserted into the main range. All former door and window openings on the front have been blocked, and there are mid-20th century lean-to additions. Although the interior could not be inspected during the re-survey in 1985, it is known to contain four true cruck trusses with Alcock apex type B. The building stopped functioning as a farmhouse sometime after around 1920 and is currently used as an agricultural store.