Cider Barn At Hamlyns

The cider barn at Hamlyns is a structure likely dating from the 18th century. It is built from stone rubble and cob, with some parts rendered and whitewashed, topped by a hipped thatched roof made from reed grown on the site. The building is arranged in an L shape, with the larger block positioned against the slope of the land, allowing direct access to the apple loft. Below this loft was a cider press, which is no longer in existence, that was powered by a horse or donkey turning a wheel outside the apple loft. A smaller block, which is at a right angle to the main block, likely provided shelter for carts collecting cider. The main block has part of its upper level lofted, while the smaller block is a single storey. The smaller block features a large cart entrance and a small two-light timber window with a timber lintel. The main block has a two-light timber window for the loft, also with a timber lintel, and a loft entrance on the right side. Inside, there are pegged collar rafter roof trusses. Thatched farm buildings are rare in the county, and thatched cider houses are especially uncommon. The barn has group value with the stable block.