Monument record 403/3 - The Old Manor (Farm & Possible Medieval Manor)

A small farm complex of cob buildings demolished in 1977. The main house was probably early 17th century but timbers, including the main spine beam, originated from an ornate jettied timber framed building of 15th-16th century date.

{1} The buildings were situated on the southern periphery of the village and comprised a cob farmhouse, two cob barns and a cob and timber framed barn. The buildings were called the 'Old Manor'. It is unknown whether it did have manorial origins- if so, it would be the only known example of a cob-built manor in the county. The house was a long, low building of one and a half storeys. It had been extended in the past and although over 80ft in length it had lost at least one bay. In its final form the two end bays (including one demolished) had been used as a barn. The residential part consisted of four bays. It probably dated from the early part of the 17th century. Smoke staining in the roof suggests an open hall, but the deposit was thin.

The entry led onto the side of a large double-brick inglenook fireplace. After demolition the main spine beam and one of the inglenook beams were purchased. These proved to be of considerable interst as they were part of the framework of an ornate jettied timber-framed building of 15th or 16th century date. No other comparable examples are known in the county.

{2} Documentary sources, The Old Manor. A small complex of C17th farm buildings was demolished in 1977, comprising a farmhouse and three barns all in cobbing. There is also evidence of a C15/16th timber-framed building of ornamental character. One barn was timber-framed.

{4} Photographs of 1977 taken during demolition.

{5} Plans of the ground and first floor prior to demolition.

<1> Brown A.E. (Editor), 1978, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1977, p.189-90 (unchecked) (Journal). SNN2192.

<2> NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORD, RECORDING FORM, SP57SW22 (Uncertain). SNN43587.

<3> 1977, Timbers Salvaged From The Old Manor House, Barby, (unchecked) (Illustration). SNN59852.

<4> Photographs of buildings in Barby (Photographs). SNN111891.

<5> Giggins, B, 1977, The Old Manor, 25 Daventry Road, Barby (Drawing). SNN115219.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:13PM