Cruck-framed farm-building at Ystum Colwyn

Cruck-framed Farm-building at Ystum Colwyn

This exceptionally large farm-building range, possibly designed for multi-purpose use as barn and cow-house, comprises a long and partially lofted main range with a shorter wing at the rear. The structure is timber-framed, partially clad or under-built in brickwork externally, though the structural framing is occasionally visible. Weather-boarding covers some sections, and the building features a stone-built gable end with a slate roof.

The main elevation faces onto the farmyard. A rubble gable end to the right displays quarry-dressed quoins and a loft light. Timber-framing is exposed in the left-hand gable end. The long wall is predominantly brick in its lower section, with weather-boarding above. The present pattern of openings—an irregular series of 4 doorways alternating with 3 wider openings at ground floor level, and two loft openings above, both towards the left-hand end of the range—probably reflects later patterns of use rather than the original arrangement.

The rear elevation of the cruck-framed range (south-west side when viewed from the rear wing) preserves a substantial section of three-tier framing with a rare survival: the original barn doorway.

The right-hand section comprises 4 bays of exceptional cruck construction. The 3 cruck pairs are of unusually broad scantling. From the right, the first two crucks each retain a pegged collar in place with two tiers of trenched purlins; the position of the original tie-beam is apparent, though the existing bolted tie-beam is a later modification and the earlier ridge beam is missing. The third cruck is similar but retains an early tie-beam with queen posts to the collar, whilst its upper section above the collar is missing.

The left-hand section is of box-frame construction and has long been lofted. Two fully framed square-panelled partitions survive towards the right-hand end of this section. An open truss spans the left-hand part, with braces running from wall-post to tie-beam; this represents a former partition that has been removed. Some tie-beams appear to have been re-used: they are morticed for joists, but the existing joists merely rest upon them. The apparent doubling up of principal timbers at the right-hand end may indicate the phasing of construction. Traces of lime-wash remain on some interior timbers. Significant framing survives in the rear wall and some in the front wall. At the rear, the roof extends beyond the wall-plate, creating an aisled arrangement. Remnants of the early interior arrangement survive, including framed partitions for a feeding passage towards the right-hand end of the range, which corresponds with the right-hand doorway.

The rear wing is predominantly faced in nineteenth-century brick from two phases of construction, though the gable end wall is stone with a timber post visible towards the centre. Two doorways are present, both featuring re-used lintels. The left-hand doorway is carved with a date and initials reading I.W. 1650 [or possibly 1670] M.W. on a sunk field. These initials are believed to be those of John Williams of Cochwillan, Caernavonshire, and his wife.

The interior of the rear wing was not fully inspected, but the gable abutting the main range is timber-framed with some early brick panel infill.