Old Barton

WHITESTONE CHURCH TOWN SX 89 SE 4/120 Old Barton

• II

House, formerly farmhouse. Probably late C17 in origin, extended in the C18 and partly remodelled in the C19. Colourwashed rendered cob; concrete tile roof (formerly thatched) hipped at ends of main range; brick axial stack; 2 rear stacks. Overall L-plan with a rear right wing. The development of the house is not entirely clear but there is evidence of a 3 room and through or cross passage plan, the lower end to the left, the hall probably heated from a stack on the rear wall. The main range appears to have been extended in the C18 by a wing adjoining the inner room, with an C18 kitchen adjacent to the inner room and a rear service room. In the circa late 1860s the roof was raised and slated and a cob chimney replaced by a brick shaft and the old leaded-light windows were replaced "in the same form" (Dymond). A rear corridor now connects the principal rooms. 2 storeys. Asymmetrical 4-window front with a 6-panel front door left of centre into the passage and a second entrance at the right. C19 3-light canted bay window 6 panes per light to right of passage door, other fenestration of 2- and 3-light small pane casements. Interior Not fully inspected but the passage survives, some C18 joinery and an C18 kitchen at the right end with a large cross beam and exposed joists. Circa early C19 stair with stick balusters. Jonathan Dymond (1796-1828), an Exeter born poet and essayist rented Farm Barton in 1827. Dymond, a member of the Society of Friends, was involved in the Peace Society and a founder member of the Auxiliary Peace Society established at Exeter in 1825. Dymond, C.W.; Memoir, Letters and Poems of Jonathan Dymond (1907). Includes 3 illustrations of Old Barton of circa 1907 showing the front elevation much as it is at present. Shown as Farm Barton on OS map.

Listing NGR: SX8689294300