Cruck Barn At Esthwaite Hall

Cruck barn at Esthwaite Hall is a range of farm outbuildings dating from the 17th century, with late 18th century additions and 20th century alterations. It is constructed from rubble Lakeland stone, featuring projecting through stones, irregular quoining, and massive boulder foundations. The roof is covered with Westmorland slate, laid to diminishing courses. The building has an 'L' shaped layout, with the earlier cruck-framed section aligned north-south and the later addition extending eastwards from the north end of the earlier part.

The cruck-framed section consists of five bays and is single storey. It has a near-central full height double doorway with boarded doors on the west side wall, and a single doorway on the opposite side of the doorway bay. Inside, there are four cruck trusses that support a double purlin roof structure, featuring a square-set ridge purlin. Trusses two and four have dovetailed face-halved collars, while trusses three and four include tie-beams, with a bolted 20th century addition to truss three. Trusses two and four also have spurs to the side walls, and all trusses are equipped with purlin bearers.

The 18th century section has six bays and is also single storey, featuring a double doorway with sliding gear on the north side. Inside, queen strut trusses support a double purlin roof. This barn is a good example of 17th century cruck construction within a modest stone shell, which has been enlarged by an 18th century addition without losing its interest.