Farmstead record BRF 078 - Farmstead: Grove Farm

2007 Historic Building Recording:
The Granary is the only remaining building of the farm previous to the straightening of Paper Mill Lane. The new farm buildings are typical of many contemporary examples dating to the 19th C.

Late 18th C Granary: Timber-framed building of 2 stories to the S-E corner of the yard, following a significantly different alignment to the other structures. The upper storey was weather boarded, while the ground floor of the western gable consists entirely of red brick. The eastern gable and northern side elevation are of flint rubble with brick dressing. These lower story materials are 19th C modifications, contrasting with the storey posts, which continue into the ground, and the framing of the upper storey (a mix of oak, elm and pine but incorporates tenoned and pegged primary braces in the style of the late 18th C.) A late 18th C date is confirmed by the roof structure of staggered butt-purlins. Originally an open shelter, but enclosed in the 19th C. Possibly extended further, but was truncated with the straightening of the road.

Late 19th C stable: Red brick structure of 2 stories adjoining the southern gable of the barn. Structure is shown in its present form on the OS map of 1880. flat pitched roof was stripped of slates prior to inspection.

Mid 19th C Lean-to Shed: A small timber-framed shed with a tall brick plinth.

Mid 19th C barn: 6-bay timber-framed structure on a tall brick plinth. Contemporary porch. The roof of the barn is steeply pitched and was likely designed for thatch but is now covered in corrugated iron. The flat pitched porch roof seems to have been slated from the outset. The carpentry is consistent with the 19th C date given, as it incorporates bolted-knee braces, ridge boards and nailed primary wall bracing and roof collars. Many timbers have been reused from and earlier structure and contain various empty mortises and other features that do not relate to their present positions. There is evidence of an inserted floor at the northern end, which has since been removed. A typical 19th C barn, though its apparent combination of thatch and slate is unusual.
(S1)

2008: Watching brief for extensive series of service trenches across the former farm yard revealed 19th/20th century brick and tile fragments. In a few places remnants of 19th century crushed chalk yard surface survived (S2).

Grove Farm, Bramford. 18th century farmstead and 19th century farmhouse with converted buildings. Regular courtyard L-shaped plan formed by working agricultural buildings. The farmhouse is set away from the yard. Significant loss (over 50%) of the traditional farm buildings. Located within an isolated position (S3-8).

Recorded as part of the Farmsteads in the Suffolk Countryside Project. This is a purely desk-based study and no site visits were undertaken. These records are not intended to be a definitive assessment of these buildings. Dating reflects their presence at a point in time on historic maps and there is potential for earlier origins to buildings and farmsteads. This project highlights a potential need for a more in depth field study of farmstead to gather more specific age data.