SNN111529 - The Tithe Barn, 75a High Street, Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN29 7AA: A Programme of Archaeological Building Investigation and Recording 2018

During February 2018, Benchmark Archaeology (BA) undertook a programme of Archaeological Building Investigation and Recording (ABIR) at the Tithe Barn, 75a High Street, Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN29 7AA (NGR: 492536 265971, Figures 1 - 3). The work was commissioned and funded by Gaskell Build Ltd. Planning permission has been granted by The Borough Council of Wellingborough (TBCoW) for the conversion of the existing Tithe Barn into 2 no. dwellings together with new detached garage facilities (Planning Refs: WP/17/00677/LBC and WP/17/00676/FUL). The building to be converted is a Designated Heritage Asset by virtue of its Grade II Listed Building status. Due to the historical importance of the building to be converted, the Assistant Archaeological Advisor (AAA), Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) recommended that a programme of ABIR (HE Level 2 Survey) of the building be undertaken prior to any conversion works. Prior to the fieldwork a Project Design (Cherrington 2018) specifying the methodology to be employed during the ABIR was produced and submitted as a requirement of planning permission. The programme of ABIR was successful in its aim of providing a written, drawn and photographic record of the buildings (Ranges 1 –3) prior to conversion. Range 1 comprises a former three-bay tithe barn with central cart entrance and an attached probable stable range with former hayloft above. As suggested by the listing entry this range is of probable early 16th Century date with 18th / 19th Century alterations. Very little original detail survives within the range which is essentially a masonry shell. Range 2 is a later western extension to Range 1 and was added at some point prior to 1823. The red brick feed trough along the internal southern elevation appears to be a later 18th / 19th Century addition suggesting use a stable / small cowhouse. A hayloft was formerly located above. Range 3 appears to be the latest addition to the buildings and was added at some point prior to 1823. The range is likely to comprise former stables. As is typical of agricultural structures, the recorded buildings have been much altered over time reflecting changes in agricultural regimes.