Herds Farmhouse

TL 50 NW HIGH LAVER THRESHERS BUSH 5/3 Herds Farmhouse 28.2.83 II

House, C15, extended in C19. Timber framed, lower walls weatherboarded, upper walls plastered, roofed with handmade red clay tiles. Comprises the 2-bay crosswing of a medieval hall house, aligned approx. NE-SW, with inserted axial chimney stack, c.1600, extended to NE by one bay in C19 with external chimney stack at end. C19 extension to SE on the site of the medieval hall, with chimney stack in end wall, now blocked off at roof level. 2 storeys. SW elevation, 4-panel door under shallow hood, C19, 2 C20 casement windows on the ground floor and 3 at first floor, gablet roof to crosswing. The SW end was formerly jettied, and the wallplate of the lower wall, supporting the jetty, is still present but concealed by plaster. On the SE side C20 doors each side of the central wallpost appear to occupy the positions of the medieval twin service doors, all evidence concealed by plaster. The upper NE wall of the crosswing has been stripped of plaster, revealing 2 complete unglazed windows, each with 3 diamond mullions, now inside the C19 extension. Evidence of an unglazed window in upper part of NW wall immediately NE of central post. Curved tension bracing trenched outside studs reported. Inserted ceiling over sM upper room has axial beam with lamb's tongue stops, C17. Roof was originally of crownpost construction, but wholly rebuilt with softwood in clasped purlin form in C19. Inserted chimney stack immediately NE of central tiebeam. All visible evidence, and the arrangement of the site, indicate that this was the service crosswing of a hall house of which the remainder has been demolished.

Listing NGR: TL5031209185