Hereford Architect: The Repair of Church Farm Barn
At Montez Architecture Ltd., guided by our experienced architects in Hereford, our recent engagement at Church Farm in Moreton-on-Lugg has initiated a rigorous study aimed at securing listed building consent for essential repairs to a Grade II listed barn—a significant part of the local architectural and cultural heritage. Due to its tired condition, this barn has seen a marked decline in use, prompting our comprehensive intervention.
Historical Insights by Hereford Architects
The barn, an imposing structure with a Welsh slate roof, spans over 36 metres and features nine trusses and eight bays, predominantly floored throughout, it is a fantastic historic building. Its late 17th-century timber frame, supported on a sandstone rubble plinth with part brick and part woven infill, forms a southern boundary to the adjacent churchyard of St. Andrew’s Church. The interior reveals a configuration of trusses, each bolstered by two struts to the collar, signifying the barn's historic architectural practices. These details not only enhance our understanding of the building's structural elements but also underscore its significance in the local heritage landscape. The expertise of our Hereford architects brings out these historical nuances, enhancing our understanding of the barn's architectural significance.
In-Depth Research and Observational Studies by Hereford Architects
Situated between Leominster and Hereford, Church Farm shares its historic grounds with St. Andrew's Church. Our research, driven by the expertise of our Hereford architects, delves deep into the site's layered history, revealing its ecclesiastical and agricultural past, with the church site itself dating back to the 12th century, albeit heavily restored in the 19th century. The presence of a moat and traces of an outer enclosure indicate the site's medieval origins. The modern Church House Farm's landscape is marked by only one remaining barn and the remnants of another—evident through the discovery that one of the 17th-century barns was dismantled and its materials relocated to a living museum, an unfortunate loss yet crucial in understanding the site's evolving architectural narrative.
Our methodical approach combined archival investigations, detailed observational studies, and thorough analyses of historical imagery and documents. Sources such as Historic England records and 19th-century maps provided early documentary evidence, situating Church Farm Barn within its historical context as a typical mid to late 17th-century structure. Our analysis confirmed its architectural and historical value, heightened by its substantial size and state of preservation, which is rare for its period. This comprehensive analysis by our Hereford architect team helped us understand the structural changes over time, shedding light on the dismantled barn's historical significance and its pieces' relocation.
Observational Studies and Site Analysis by Hereford Architects
Through onsite observations, our Hereford architects scrutinized the barn's architectural elements and current condition. The oak timber framework and traditional wattle and daub infill panels mark its early 17th-century origins, while Victorian period modifications are evident in the brick infill panels added later. Notably, the building to the north retains many of its original stone tiles—a rare survival, given the rapid decay common to the sandstone used in local roofing. The detailed oversight by our Hereford architects ensures that every aspect of the barn's history and structure is meticulously preserved and documented.
Social history research, including census records and historical texts, traced the property’s evolution and its notable owners through the centuries, such as Reverend John Keysall in the 1900s and later, the Hart family. This comprehensive analysis helped us understand the structural changes over time, shedding light on the dismantled barn's historical significance and its pieces' relocation.
A Vision for the Future by Hereford Architects
Our detailed research not only deepens the understanding of the barn’s architectural and cultural significance but also serves as a vital resource for planning processes and listed building consent applications. The forthcoming repair work will employ traditional construction skills, respecting the barn's historical context and ensuring its preservation for future generations. The detailed oversight by our Hereford architects ensures that every aspect of the barn's history and structure is meticulously preserved and documented.
As we move forward with the restoration project at Church Farm Barn, our efforts are not just about preserving a structure but revitalising a pivotal element of our shared heritage, making it relevant and usable again.
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