Building record 2940/0/8 - Miller's Barn, Spratton

Much-altered group of barns originating in the 17th century. Notable for the survival of a group of early graffiti, comprising Apotropaic marks and a competently-drawn post-type windmill

{1} The buildings are aligned north-south and display the use of a number of materials, principally Northamptonshire Sand with Ironstone. Brick has been used in a number of repairs and alterations, while cement blockwork has also been introduced where modern rebuilding has been extensive. Two areas of much older cob-walling survive on the inside. The roofs are of modern corrugated metal sheeting.

Both of the cob sections of walling retain on the internal surface large areas of surface lime plaster added partly to provide a smooth surface but primarily to form a protective skin to the soft and friable cob. A variety of shallowly-inscribed graffiti is present on the plaster surfaces on both panels flanking the doorway; most comprises single letters or groups of letters. These may simply be a person’s initials but some have a form which is distinctively 17th-century. Elsewhere a series of short, parallel lines are most likely tally marks used during the counting of produce. To the north of the central doorway a double concentric circle (222mm, 8 ¾ inches and 268mm, 10 5/8 inches in diameter) are Apotropaic marks. These ritual marks, often situated close to doorways, windows and fireplaces were inscribed in order to protect a building from evil spirits, witches or animal familiars. They are also sometimes called ‘witch-marks’. Towards the southern side and at the lower edge of the southern plaster panel is a crudely drawn image of a post-mill. The post-mill appears to be of a later form of the 16th-17th centuries built with their foundations of brick and stone above-ground, their cross-trees firmly anchored in solid blocks.

<1> Prentic, J, Walker, C. and Soden, I., 2015, A Heritage Asset Survey of Miller’s Barn, Spratton, Northamptonshire 2015 (Report). SNN110824.

<2> Horne, B (editor), 2016, South Midlands Archaeology (46), p. 35 (Journal). SNN111326.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2023 11:56AM