Goitre Wen Farmyard: Barn Range

The Goitre Wen Farmyard barn range comprises a long, symmetrical group of a corn barn and cowhouses, constructed in the late 18th century, and measuring over 30 metres in length. The barn is centrally located, with a cowhouse flanking each side. A catslide roof extends the rear of the right-hand cowhouse. The construction uses randomly coursed rubble masonry, with dressed stone around the original windows and openings. The roof is generally modern sheeting, except for the slated rear extension of the right cowhouse. The range faces a original pitched yard, extending to opposite sheds and sties.

The barn is three bays wide, with a slightly projecting central section that differs from the interior divisions; it extends one bay further on either side. There is a slit vent above and below the advancing section, on either side of the barn door, and another in the adjacent bay at first floor level. Above the door is a panel displaying the date 1796, with a low-relief carving of an owl standing on a post positioned above it. The barn doorway has been partially filled with brick; a similar doorway is located at the rear of the threshing bay. Both openings are formed by deep segmental arches, with a slightly projecting outer ring to each. The cowhouses are contemporary with the barn, each containing three doors facing the yard, also with deep segmental arches and battened doors. Two of the left-hand cowhouse’s doors have been partially walled up to create windows. Above each middle doorway is a pitching aperture with a flat arch, constructed of masonry similar to the door openings. Single vent slits are located above and below on either side.

Inside the barn, tie beam and collar trusses are visible, along with additional collar beam trusses positioned midway between bays. The original purlins remain, now supporting modern sheeting. Pitching openings are located high up at each end, to allow access to the haylofts of the cowhouses. An upper floor has been lost, but one bearing block remains from the threshing machinery that replaced hand threshing. The left cowhouse and the barn have been combined to create a milking parlour, with a concrete floor.