Building record BRG 133 - The Forge, Great Barton, Suffolk

Analysis revealed thebuilding had a core of a 17th century lobby-entry house, as mentioned in the list description, within the building. However, later alterations and phases of rebuilding and remodelling have made the sequence of construction difficult to elucidate with certainty. The outbuildings represent service ranges and small-scale industrial activity related to the forge but have been much altered. The building presents a complex and accretive structure where earlier phases of remodelling and the extent of hidden historic fabric prevents an entirely accurate reconstruction of the original plan form. There remain questions regarding the extent of the original building as well as the detailed character of the roof structure and timber-framing. If the opportunity arises during the planned works to monitor and document any newly exposed historic fabric, it would be beneficial to increase understanding of this type of building in Suffolk (S1).