Stable 80 Metres North Of Church Farmhouse

This is a substantial timber-framed stable, dating from the first half of the 14th century, with a floor inserted in the 16th century. It forms part of the remains of a former open hall of raised-aisle construction, originally used as a residence before being repurposed as a farm stable and subsequently abandoned. The surviving section comprises the upper and part of the lower bays of the hall; the remainder of the hall, along with the service areas and a solar cross-wing, have been lost. Housings for the rafters of the solar cross-wing are visible within the tie beam at the upper end of the hall.

The exterior is timber framed and clad in weatherboards, topped by a steeply pitched pantiled roof. The wall panels feature two sets of curved braces, paired in depth on both the inner and outer faces. The gable end exhibits multiple curved braces radiating from the central post in a fan-like pattern, though not paired in depth. A heavy bridging beam supports an open truss, with short braces connecting it to the wall posts. This beam carries a three-bay arcade with octagonal posts and moulded capitals. Arched braces extend from the outer posts to the arcade plates, with corresponding braces from the central post supporting additional tie beams on either side of the main one. Braces connecting to the main tie beam form pairs of two-centred arches. Additional braces run from the outer posts to the principal rafters and straight side ties extend to the top plate. All these structural elements are heavily moulded. A moulded cornice, originally applied to the arcade plate, partially survives. The central tie beam supports an octagonal crown post with moulded base and capital, incorporating four-way bracing, and paired braces to each collar. All roof components are smoke-blackened, with the inserted floor partially blackened as well. Traces of original red ochre colouring remain on the open truss. Evidence suggests the original hall windows were diamond-mullioned, and included hinged shutters. The top plate on the north side has been replaced and displays a crude scarf joint. Despite being only a partial survival of the original house, the remaining structure is substantially intact, representing an outstanding example of 14th-century vernacular carpentry.