The Old Barn

House. The building likely originates from the 14th century, with a significant addition from the 16th to 17th centuries. Originally an open hall at the rear, it was extended to the southwest-northeast during that later period.

The remaining two bays of the 14th-century section are timber-framed, with later repairs and brick infill, and a plain tiled roof. A further two bays were added in the 16th century to the west end. It is originally a single-storey building, although later raised to two storeys. Some timber framing is visible externally. Until approximately 1984, the open hall was adjoined by the 16th-17th century front range, which was altered with gault brick. The roof was rebuilt around 1984 and covered with pantiles, with a stack inserted. The front range now presents with three bays, featuring a 19th-century doorway at the left-hand end bay and segmental arches framing three first-floor and four ground-floor window openings.

The interior of the open hall features a central truss with arch bracing to the collar rafter roof, exhibiting hollow mouldings on the collar and bracing. Rafters are scarfed to the principal posts, and the responds of the principal posts are unusual, incorporating engaged shafts with scallop capitals carved from the same timber. The roof is of wind-braced clasped purlin type, with ogee moulded purlins. The truss at the east end was removed, and the tie beam from this truss, which may have originally formed part of a screen’s cornice, is now incorporated as a lintel above a modern inglenook within the 16th-17th century section. This tie beam displays rose paterae carved into the moulding. The truss on the west end is more complete and formed the original gable end, featuring a cambered tie beam and downward wall bracing. Visible in the tie beam are the sites of a diamond mullion window and rebates for shutters. There is no evidence of smoke blackening, although this may be obscured by later lime wash. The interior of the 16th-17th century front range retains some original arch braced trusses with jowled posts, along with some surviving wall framing in the north end truss and part of the rear wall. The roof is from approximately 1984.

Historical records indicate that Earl Ailwine gave the manors of Upwood and Raveley to Ramsey Abbey around 970. In 1086, the Abbot held a church, a priest, and considerable woodland on the site.