Building record 8315/0/25 - Farm buildings, Middle Farm

Group of farm buildings dating from the late 18th to the late 19th century. Arranged around a courtyard

{1} Some of the farm buildings at Middle Farm were in place in the later 18th century which were either extended or added to. The courtyard was not enclosed until the late 19th century. The gradual sequence of improvements and additions probably reflects the limitations of the owner’s finances who was not able to commit to a grand rebuilding in a single phase. It is interesting to note though that despite being built over a number of years the attention to detail and the effort to preserve the same overall building style and materials was maintained throughout. This is noticeable even in the free-standing cart shed which was not built until the later 19th century. The buildings have been relatively well maintained throughout their life and appear to have undergone a major phase of work when their roofs were replaced in the mid to late 20th century. It is only the wholesale changes in farming practices that have made this style of farm and its buildings redundant.
A limestone slab with the date 1702 was found in a wall of one of the farm buildings during redevelopment, probably re-used from an earlier phase of building, although no other evidence of earlier phases was identified.

<1> Hyam A., 2015, A Level 2 Historic Building Record at Middle Farm House and Associated Barns Main Street, Upper Benefield, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN110644.

Record last edited

Mar 5 2018 1:52PM