Building record ASN 037 - The Cartshed at Hill Farm

Hill Farm is marked on the 1842 Tithe Map and 1837 Apportionents. They show the farm buildings to have a planned layout rather than a scattered layout which is often seen on farms in Suffolk at this dtae. The large barn with two east projecting porches form the eastern boundary of the farmyard. The southern and western boundaries of the farmyard was formed y two detached animal shelters or buildings associated with animal husbandry. The northern boundary was formed by a single detached structure with a boundary line between the barn to the east and the structure which represent an enclosure between the courtyaed to the west of the barn and the rest of the farmstead. There is another long range to the northeast of the barn which probably consisted of stabling. The layout of the farm clearly shows that it was built to form a courtyard layout. The 19th century layout illustrates further progression in the development of the courtyard pattern. The farmyard was substantially redeveloped during thr late 19th century. The footprint of the barn was substantially enlarged, and the early 19th century coutyard was subdivided into smaller fold pens, each containing an open shelter shed for cattle. There is also evidence of a piggery at the centre of the western range of farm buildings. The buildings at the south end of the yard were probably used for storgae of root crops, implements etc. The cartshed at the south-east end of the farmyard also formed part of this redevelopment.

The cartshed consists of eight equally spaced bays. Six of the eight bays are open on the north elevation of the building. The last two bays at the east end of the building were enclosed during the later 20th century to form a modern garage or workshop. The building was constructed on a red brick plinth wall, which are in poor condition and have been repaired on the south elevation. The plinth wall on the east elevation was entirely rebuilt during the latter part of the 20th century. The building is clad in black painted weatehrboarding on the east,south, west, and partially on the north elevation. The boarding was applied during the 20th century. The roof structure is hipped on the east and west ends of the building and covered with corrugated iron sheeting which was applied during the 1970s. The cartshed was constructed with a timber frame which was constructed with primary braced studwork. The method of the frame construction is of a low standard. The roof of the structure was originally thatched (S1).