South Wing Of Cattle Shelter At Hainbury Farm

The south wing of the cattle shelter at Hainbury Farm dates from the late 19th century. It features coursed stone walls at the rear and ends, with a roof clad in corrugated iron and weatherboarded gable ends that conceal a 'solid thatch' roof structure. The shelter is a long, open-fronted shed with three bays, supported by timber posts and closely spaced pole joists. These joists carry coarse brushwood, horse bean haulm, and straw, which are thatched on top and now covered with corrugated iron sheets. The structure has an L-shaped plan, but only the south wing is included in this description, as the north wing has been converted into cow stalls and the 'solid thatch' has been removed. This building is a very rare example of a 'solid thatch' roof structure, a primitive roofing method that eliminates the need for trusses. Similar examples can be found at Church Farm in West Camel and at Hamlyn's Farm in Long Load.