Aisled Cowshed At Coley Farm

603/0/10044 12-JAN-04

GNOSALL Aisled cowshed at Coley Farm

GV II

Aisled cow shed within planned model farmstead, disused at the time of inspection (August, 2003). 1830s and 1840s, with minor later alterations. Red brick with slate roofs. EXTERIOR: 3 parallel ranges including lower central aisle with wide segmental arched openings with stone quoins, ranges to right each have high central windows with segmental arched heads. Side elevations have central gable with a circular opening, and 2 door openings to each side with segmental arched heads and stone quoins. Extends to south at west end. INTERIOR: Timber king post trusses to each range, and brick partition walls. HISTORY: The 1800-1840 period was one of increased mechanisation, using horse, water or steam power, and Coley Mill is a fine example of a well-equipped early-C19 model farm with mechanised milling. Coley Mill is marked on the first O.S. map for Staffordshire, which was surveyed in 1833-34, and Coley Mill along with the rick yard, barn, hovel, house, garden, etc. are indicated on the 1839 Tythe Map of Gnosall. The present corn mill is apparently dated 1842, although there has been a water mill on this site since the C16. SOURCES: VCH Staffs vol.4, pp.127-8)

Group value with the rest of the model farm including the stable, cart shed, mill, malthouse and kiln are listed separately as one item.

Aisled cow shed forming part of an early-C19 model farmstead that includes a water mill, malthouse with kiln, stables, barns, cow shed and cart sheds (all listed separately as one item) that survives mostly unaltered and which altogether contributes to our understanding of model farmsteads nationally.