South West Peak Landscape Partnership Scheme

BARNS AND BUILDINGS PROJECT HOBCROFT FIELD BARN, WARSLOW Report on Historic Building Recording

SWP BB Project No. 005 (Barn UID: 0958_B001)

Key Information

Project Name Hobcroft Barn Repairs Report title Hobcroft Field Barn, Warslow: Report on Historic Building Recording Report Status Final BB Project No. 005 Client PDNPA NGR SK0910358440

Author Dr Catherine Parker Heath Illustrations Catherine Parker Heath Date 04/08/2020 Version and Final. Hobcroft Barn Historic Building Recording filename Report_final

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 2 of 72 Contents

Key Information...... 2 Contents ...... 3 1. Summary ...... 7 2. Introduction...... 8 3. Setting, topography and geology ...... 8 4. Aims and Purposes...... 9 4.1. Regional Research Aims and Objectives ...... 9 4.2. Historic Building Recording Objectives...... 9 5. Methodology ...... 10 5.1. Coverage ...... 10 5.2. Building recording level ...... 10 5.3. Building recording methodology ...... 10 6. Development of the building ...... 12 6.1. Background ...... 12 6.2. External Features ...... 12 6.3. Internal Features: Ground floor ...... 14 6.4. Internal Features: First Floor ...... 17 7. Discussion...... 18 7.1. General ...... 18 7.3. Graffiti...... 19 8. Conclusions...... 20 9. Archive transfer ...... 21 10. References ...... 21 11. Illustrations ...... 23 11.1. Location maps ...... 23 11.1.1. Location of Hobcroft Barn, Warslow, Moorlands in the Country.....23 11.1.2. Location of Hobcroft Barn, Warslow in the National Park ...... 24 11.1.3. Location map ...... 25 11.2. Setting ...... 26 11.3. Topography...... 27 11.4. Plans ...... 30 Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 3 of 72 11.4.1. Ground floor plan...... 30 11.4.2. First floor plan ...... 31 11.5. Elevations ...... 32 11.5.1. South East elevation ...... 32 11.5.2. North West elevation ...... 33 11.5.3. South West elevation ...... 34 11.5.4. North East elevation ...... 34 11.6. Sections ...... 35 11.6.1. Long-section L-L1 ...... 35 11.6.2. Cross-section A-A1 ...... 35 11.7. Photographic record plans...... 36 11.7.1. Ground floor photo plan...... 36 11.7.2. First floor photo plan...... 37 11.8. Photographs used to illustrate all key points ...... 38 Photo 11.8.1. SE elevation ...... 38 Photo 11.8.2. SW elevation...... 38 Photo 11.8.4. NE elevation ...... 39 Photo 11.8.5. Looking N, SE and SW elevations ...... 40 Photo 11.8.6. Looking S, NW and NE elevations...... 40 Photo 11.8.7. Looking W, SE and NE elevations ...... 41 Photo 11.8.8. Looking SW, paving to SE of barn...... 41 Photo 11.8.9. Looking SW and down, paving to SE of barn...... 42 Photo 11.8.10. Doorway (A), internal view ...... 42 Photo 11.8.11. Doorway (A) internal wooden lintel, and beam (O) ...... 43 Photo 11.8.12. Niche (N)...... 43 Photo 11.8.13. Window (H) at SW end, internal view ...... 44 Photo 11.8.14. Beams (O), looking NW towards window (H), niche (N) to left of picture 44 Photo 11.8.15. Floorboards (P) ...... 45 Photo 11.8.16. Floorboards (P) ...... 45 Photo 11.8.17. Floorboards (P) ...... 46 Photo 11.8.18. Floorboards (P) ...... 46 Photo 11.8.19. Ratch-stake (R) ...... 47 Photo 11.8.20. Partition (S) SW side ...... 47

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 4 of 72 Photo 11.8.21. Partition (S), SW side detail ...... 48 Photo 11.8.22. Partition (S) NE side...... 48 Photo 11.8.23. Partition (S) NE side detail ...... 49 Photo 11.8.24. Partition (S) NE side detail, initials FH and date 1910...... 49 Photo 11.8.25. Partition (S) NE side detail of apotropaic marks...... 50 Photo 11.8.26. Partition (S) NE side detail of apotropaic marks...... 50 Photo 11.8.27. Niche (T) ...... 51 Photo 11.8.28. NE side of doorway (G) ...... 51 Photo 11.8.29. Doorway (G) internal lintel ...... 52 Photo 11.8.30. Doorway (G) and partition (W) ...... 52 Photo 11.8.31. Niche (U)...... 53 Photo 11.8.32. Doorway (B) internal lintel and beams (V) ...... 53 Photo 11.8.33. Beams (V) ...... 54 Photo 11.8.34. Partition (W) SW side ...... 54 Photo 11.8.35. Doorway (C) internal view and step up (AA) ...... 55 Photo 11.8.36. Graffiti on SW doorjamb of Doorway (C) ...... 55 Photo 11.8.37. Graffiti on NE doorjamb of doorway (C) ...... 56 Photo 11.8.38. Niche (M)...... 56 Photo 11.8.39. Window (H) at NE end internal view ...... 57 Photo 11.8.40. Boskins (X) looking S...... 57 Photo 11.8.41. Boskins (X) detail...... 58 Photo 11.8.42. Ratch-stake (Y)...... 58 Photo 11.8.43. Detail of ratch-stake with chain and ‘framble’ in stall ...... 59 Photo 11.8.44. Floorboards (Z)...... 59 Photo 11.8.45. Doorway (A) latch ...... 60 Photo 11.8.46. Doorway (B) latch ...... 60 Photo 11.8.47. Doorway (A) door handle ...... 61 Photo 11.8.48. Doorway (B) door handle...... 61 Photo 11.8.49. Doorway (C) door handle...... 62 Photo 11.8.50. Ventilation slit (D) ...... 62 Photo 11.8.51. Ventilation slit (J) ...... 63 Photo 11.8.52. Ventilation slit (E) ...... 63 Photo 11.8.53. Pitching hole (F) ...... 64

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 5 of 72 Photo 11.8.54. Window (I) and ventilation slit (L) ...... 64 Photo 11.8.55. Purlin (BB) – to NW ...... 65 Photo 11.8.56. Purlin (BB) – to SE ...... 65 Photo 11.8.57. Modern replacement purlins (CC) and truss...... 66 11.9. Historic maps ...... 66 12. Appendices ...... 69 12.1. Copy of the initial site assessment ...... 69 12.2. Scoring form: Assessment criteria ...... 71

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 6 of 72 1. Summary 1.1. Level 2 Historic Building Recording was carried out on 30th and 31st January 2020 at Hobcroft Field Barn, NGR: SK0910358440. The work was carried out by SWP Cultural Heritage Officer and SWP volunteers as part of training in historic building recording. The volunteers who took part were Matthew Crowder, Alec Fowler, Angela Knisely-Marpole, Richard Knisely-Marpole, Nina Martin, Sheila Needham, Alison Ash, Andrew Batson, Rowena Moore and Ken Mycock. The barn is owned by the Peak District National Park Authority on their Warslow Moors Estate and is tenanted. 1.2. The historic building recording was carried out because the barn is being considered for repair as part of the South West Peak Landscape Partnership’s (SWPLP) Barns and Buildings Project (BB). The aim of this project is to identify and repair a number of significant traditional field barns for restoration or repai r to ensure the survival of this important historic resource for the foreseeable future. Hobcroft Field Barn is one such traditional field barn. 1.3. Hobcroft Barn is one of a number of isolated field barns that are typical of this area of Warslow Moors. The barn is situated within fossilised medieval strip fields typical on the south and southeast edges of the village of Warslow before the hill-side slopes steeply down to the Manifold valley. Modern public rights of way (PROWs) follow historic footpaths and tracks in area, although only one wall is still extant along one historic walled route-way to barn from Hobcroft Farm. 1.4. Hobcroft field barn is built of traditional materials with limestone and gritstone walls, gritstone and sandstone quoins and Staffordshire blue tiles. It has a number of original internal features including a hay-loft and near complete boost with wooden boskins/bosgins, ratch-stake and skelbuse to the southeast end, and a skelbuse and ratch-stake surviving to the northwest end, with a fothergang between the two ends. Apotropaic marks have been engraved on the skelbuse at the northwest end facing the fothergang. 1.5. The significance of this barn comes from the fact it is a traditional field barn likely to have been built in the first half of the 19th century with far reaching views and very high landscape amenity value: it is highly visible from Dale Mine and Ecton Hill and from Public Rights of Way (PRoW) in the area. In addition, it is situated along a PRoW with the potential for public/educational access. As such it contributes significantly to the local distinctiveness of the immediate area, which has examples of isolated field barns scattered around the landscape, and adds the character of the wider South West Peak (National Character Area (NCA) 53), the settlement pattern of which, “is dispersed with small settlements, traditional farmsteads and isolated field barns predominantly built of local stone, reflecting the geology, history and local building traditions” (Natural 2013). The barn also has good survival of original internal features and, if it is to be associated with the Grade II listed Hobcroft Farm (listing number 1265705) lying to the northwest (see 6.1.1.), the barn completes a picture of 19th century

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 7 of 72 farmstead and associated field barn possibly built by the Harpur Crewe family on their Warslow Moors Estate.

2. Introduction 2.1. Historic building recording was carried out at Hobcroft Barn because the barn is being considered for repair as part of the South West Peak Landscape Partnership’s (SWPLP) Barns and Buildings Project (BB). The barn was initially identified as being suitable for repairs following a level 1 building survey of field barns across the SWP as part of the SWPLP’s BB project. This has been led by Catherine Parker Heath (SWP Cultural Heritage Officer) and carried out by SWP volunteers. The Unique ID (UID) number of this barn from the level 1 survey is 0958_B001. 2.2. A further assessment was made based on Historic England’s Farmstead Assessment Framework (Historic England, 2015) and the Peak District National Park’s Farmstead Assessment Framework (Lake & Edwards 2017). This assessment can be found in Appendix 12.1. The barn was also scored according to and adapted from criteria in the PDNPA’s Targeting Historic Building Restoration in Countryside Stewardship Assessment Criteria for Farm Buildings and Natural England & English Heritage Guidance notes for HLS Targeting of Historic Farm Buildings (Natural England 2008). The scoring document for this barn can be found in Appendix 12.2. These two assessments enabled a judgement to be made in favour of proceeding with repairs subject to cost, ecological considerations and the use of appropriate and acceptable materials. As a result, a condition survey and a number of ecological surveys have been undertaken alongside the historic building survey. 2.3. This report has been prepared as a result of work carried out on 30th and 31st January 2020, which was conducted according to the guidelines in Understanding Historic Buildings – A guide to good recording practice by Historic England (2016) and the CIfA’s Code of Conduct (2019a) and The Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Building Recording (2019b).

3. Setting, topography and geology 3.1. The barn is situated on the southeast edge of the village of Warslow in the and within the South West Peak area of the Peak District National Park (11.1.1 - 11.1.3.). It sits at what appears to be a junction between fossilised medieval strip fields close to the village and more piecemeal enclosure before the ground slopes down to the Warslow Brook and the Manifold Valley to the South (11.2.1). Because of this topography, there are expansive views from the barn to the south, southeast and southwest (11.3.1 & 11.3.2.) and the barn is visible from a considerable distance and over a wide area (11.3.3.). Remnants of drystone walls that are no longer functional attest to the

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 8 of 72 medieval strip field system that was fossilised in the post-medieval period. Field boundaries that are still in existence are drystone walls and remnants of drystone walls with hedges and some trees. Modern PRoWs follow historic route ways and footpaths in area. The footpath heading southeast to the north of the barn follows the line of an historic walled route-way that now has only the wall to the northeast remaining. All features of the immediate setting were in existence when the barn was built in the 19th century and little has changed since that time. 3.2. The geology at this location is ‘Widmerpool Formation’, which is an interbedded limestone and mudstone sedimentary bedrock formed approximately 329 to 337 million years ago in the Carboniferous Period. This is very close to the junction to the east and south with what is known as ‘Ecton Limestone Formation’ which is a limestone sedimentary bedrock formed at the same time. Approximately 500m to the northwest the geology changes to ‘Bowland Shale Formation’, a mudstone, siltstone and sandstone sedimentary bedrock formed approximately 319 to 337 million years ago. This geology is reflected in the building materials used to build the barn.

4. Aims and Purposes 4.1. Regional Research Aims and Objectives 4.1.1. The historic building recording has identified the presence of evidence pertinent to research objectives and overarching research themes identified in Archaeology of the : A Framework for Research (Watt 2011), notably: - Explore the way in which the social changes wrought by the adoption of capitalism manifest themselves in the archaeological record: e.g. the commodification and privatisation of space and the development of new identities as evinced through landscape, buildings and material culture (Belford 2011, 229).

4.2. Historic Building Recording Objectives 4.2.1. The aims of the historic building recording were: - to produce measured and annotated survey drawings of the building, at an appropriate scale, including a floor plan, sections and, if deemed appropriate, elevations. - to produce a formal description of the building, including its floor plan, elevations, roof structure, flooring, internal layout and spaces, detailing, form, fabric, and evidence for phasing and development. - to produce a photographic record with photographic scales with all photographs descriptively captioned and cross referenced to a plan, plans and/or elevations clearly showing the viewing position, direction and photographic image reference.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 9 of 72 - to produce an appropriate historic context account for the building and to outline its historic significance. - to provide training and practice in measured building recording for SWP volunteers

5. Methodology 5.1. Coverage 5.1.1. The building recorded is a field barn named here as Hobcroft Field Barn. The building in its entirety was recorded.

5.2. Building recording level 5.2.1. The building recording was conducted according to the guidelines in Understanding Historic Buildings - A guide to good recording practice by Historic England (2016) for Level 2 survey, and the CIfA’s Code of Conduct (2019a) and Standard and guidance for the archaeological investigation and recording of standing buildings or structures (2019b)

5.3. Building recording methodology 5.3.1. The SWP Cultural Heritage Officer and SWP volunteers carefully examined all parts of the building and carried out the photographic and drawn recording in order to identify all features relevant to original and later use. As part of this exercise, the written observations were made on site to enable the preparation of a report. Each external wall or internal space was examined individually, and the results of that examination noted in a systematic fashion.

5.3.2. The building was surveyed using hand-tapes and an extendable measuring pole. The drawn record includes the following: - A set of detailed measured survey drawings including floor plans as existing, showing the location of features of historic significance with annotations. - Elevation drawings of each elevation showing features of historic significance with annotations. - A long section and a cross-section through the building, again showing features of historic significance with annotations. - Plans indicating the position and orientation of photographs included in the report.

5.3.3. A photographic record of the buildings has been made using 4 different camera models: a Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 (20.3 megapixels), a Nikon D7100 (24.1 megapixels), a Fujifilm FinePix XP135 9 (16.4 megapixels), and a Samsung SM- A202F (13 megapixels). These photographs are digital and will be submitted to the PDNPA for inclusion in the HBSMR and to the Archaeology Data Service as part of the digital archive (see Section 9). A one-metre ranging rod was included in a selection of general shots in order that the scale of all elements of the

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 10 of 72 building can be sufficiently established. This photographic record consists of the following: - Photographs of the setting of the building. - Photographs of the building’s external appearance through a series of views to show all external elevations of the structure and to give an overall impression of size and shape. Photographs taken at right angles to the plane of the elevation have also been taken. - Photographs of any internal or external detail, structural or decorative, which is relevant to the building’s design, development or use over time and which does not show adequately on general views. - Photographs of any internal or external fixtures, fittings or evidence of its former existence relevant to the building’s use or development. - Photographs of any internal or external detail, structural or decorative, which is relevant to the building’s design, development or use over time and which does not show adequately on general views. - Photographs of any internal or external fixtures, fittings or evidence of its former existence relevant to the building’s use or development.

5.3.4. Research of online sources including historic OS mapping and available published sources has been carried out. This included interrogating the OS 25-inch map (surveyed 1878, published 1887) and subsequent editions published in 1900, as well as the Old Series One-Inch OS maps published in c.1860. In addition the six- inch OS maps based on the 25-inch maps (1880) were also looked at. A visit to the Record Office concentrated on investigation of the Harpur Crewe Estate Records (D2375) but proved to be largely unfruitful. Other intended visits to record offices were hampered by social distancing measures put in place due to COVID-19. However, a number of photocopies of maps from Staffordshire Record Office were consulted at Aldern House which included an D1422/3/38, an inclosure award for Warslow and Lower Elkstone from 1839 and the tithe map dated to 1841 (Q/RDc 24). The quality of the latter was poor, and the area around cannot really be discerned. Although there is a wealth of material in the Harpur Crewe records there are, as to be expected, omissions and it needs to be kept in mind these are records produced for the management of the estate. Rent rolls for example, record names of individuals and how much rent they have paid and owe, but do not record the property names. However, as estate records are relatively objective, we can be reasonably sure that where we see the existence of Hobcroft Farm, field barn and associated fields on estate maps and within documents we can be sure they existed by this time. The scale is too small on the One-Inch OS maps for there to be confidence that each individual building is marked. However, in this case, it does seem clear that Hobcroft barn is present (Fig. 11.9.1.).

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 11 of 72 6. Development of the building 6.1. Background 6.1.1. Hobcroft Barn is a large two storey field barn c.11m x 6m, built sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It is associated by name at least with the Grade II listed ‘Smalley’s Stores and Hobcroft Farmhouse’ (listing no. 1265705) and ‘Hobcroft Cottages’ (listing no. 1226854) situated c300m to the northwest which are dated to the early 19th Century. However, the barn itself could have been built later than the farmhouse range, cottages and store. The barn first appears with certainty on the Original Series One-Inch OS map from c.1860 (Fig. 11.9.1.). It is also discernible on an undated Harpur Crew Estate map from the time of Sir John Harpur Crewe (D2375/E/M/4/2), which could date from the time he inherited the baronetcy in 1843. The inclosure award of 1839 describes the fields around where Hobcroft barn is located as ‘Old Inclosures’ (sic) and these areas are left blank. It is only newly enclosed fields that are drawn in any detail and so it is possible that field barns in the Old Inclosure areas were omitted along with everything else. As such, it is likely that the barn was built by the Harpur Crewe family, whose seat was at Calke Abbey, in Derbyshire, on what was their Warslow Estate, or else it came into their possession very soon after. If it were built under the auspices of the Harpur Crewe’s it would either have been built when Sir George Harpur Crewe was head of the family (1818-1843) or when Sir John Harpur Crewe had taken over in 1843 up until 1860 when it appears on the original series One-Inch OS Maps. It passed into the hands of the Peak District National Park along with the rest of the Warslow Moors Estate in lieu of death duties. Although Hobcroft Farmhouse and associated buildings may have been built by the Harpur Crewe Family too it is not certain – it is not part of Sir John Harpur Crewe’s holdings on the undated map referred to above and it was not part of the Estate when it passed into the hands of the Peak District National Park in the second half of the 20th century. Access to the barn does appear to be through the yard of Hobcroft Farm, yet, as is clear from the listing information, these buildings were more than a single farm dwelling, with a house, cottages and store (although it is unclear when the store became a store or had previously been part of the farmhouse or a separate dwelling). In addition, based on the research done to date, it is not known whether Hobcroft Farmhouse and associated buildings were named Hobcroft from the beginning of their existence or this is a name they acquired at a later date. No mention has been found so far of Hobcroft Farm in the Estate records. The track through the farm and past the cottages was then not necessarily to be associated with Hobcroft Farm itself but was just another route in the village. 6.2. External Features 6.2.1. The SE elevation (11.5.1. & 11.8.1.): This is the principal elevation. It has three doorways spaced equally apart (A, B, C) at ground level and two ventilation slits at first floor level (D, E), giving an overall symmetrical appearance. The wall is of Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 12 of 72 random coursed limestone blocks, with some sandstone and gritstone blocks interspersed. There are dressed and rusticated sandstone quoins at each corner of this elevation as well as for door lintels, and around the doorways. The lintel of Doorway C however, is different to the other two; as well as ‘rustication’ marks there are a two parallel lines of pecked marks, the top with 8 and the bottom with 9, suggesting this lintel was a replacement at some point, but probably no later than the early 20th century. Each doorway has wooden plank split stable/barn doors in relatively good condition, and whilst they may not be original are of some age. Each door has an iron latch and drop ring door pull mounted on a diamond-shaped iron plate (11.8.47, 11.8.48 & 11.8.49). There is a vertical crack in the wall at the NE end. This rises from the SW edge of the lintel of Doorway C and reaches and has displaced stones of the wall plate at the eaves. There is some damage to the lowest quoin to the NE side of Doorway B and to a quoin at the NE of Doorway C where one of the hinges is positioned on the inside. This has been patched and repaired at some point in the past. There are no rain water goods. There is original stone paving approximately 1m deep outside. This stretches the length of the elevation although it is more visible to the NE end (11.8.8 & 11.8.9). 6.2.2. The NW elevation (11.5.2 & 11.8.3.): There is one central doorway on this elevation (G) and two windows/muck holes at either end (H), giving a symmetrical appearance at ground level. The door is made of vertical wooden planks and has had some planks replaced at some point in the past. At first floor level there is one window/pitching hole at the NE end (I) and a ventilation slit at the SW end (J). A hole just beyond the bottom NE corner of the pitching hole appears to be where a stone is missing rather than a purposeful hole (K) – it does not extend into the interior. The corners of the elevation have undressed quoins. The central doorway (G) has a dressed and rusticated stone lintel and dressed and rusticated quoins of pink and buff sandstone, as has the window/pitching hole at first floor level (I). To the SW side of the pitching hole is an iron pintle in situ for fastening back the door when open. This piece of ironwork, as well as that for hinges and latches on the shutter, are corroded and has caused damage to the stonework. The windows at ground floor (H) are both small and likely used a muck holes as well as for light and ventilation. Neither has a shutter nor glazing although non-original wooden frames remain. They have large dressed and rusticated lintels and narrower sills, also rusticated. 6.2.3. The SW elevation (11.5.3. & 11.8.2.): This is a gable end with a pitching hole (F) at first floor level. The wall is of random coursed stone blocks, with the dressed, rusticated quoins of the principal elevation to the SE and undressed but coursed quoins to the NW end. The pitching hole has dressed and rusticated lintel, sill and quoins, and a wooden plank door with iron hinges and external latch in situ. A small hole between the stones to the SE of the doorway presumably was where pintle was once fixed for securing the pitching hole door in place when open.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 13 of 72 6.2.4. The NE elevation (11.5.4. & 11.8.4.): This is the other gable end with a ventilation slit at height (L). There are two places where stones appear to be missing towards the NW end. At ground floor to the SE end there is a long through stone that is associated with M, an internal niche. The SE end are the dressed and rusticated quoins of the principal elevation and to the NW end are undressed quoins. 6.2.5. The roof (external): The roof is of Staffordshire blue clay tiles. On the SE elevation, the roof has missing tiles to the SW end, which is matched on the NW elevation with missing tiles also at the SW end. 6.3. Internal Features: Ground floor The ground floor is divided into three bays, with each end serving as boost/stalls for cattle and with a central fothergang in between. Access to each boost is through a door on the SE elevation and the two central doors on the SE and NW elevations give access to the fothergang. The following are annotated on the Ground Floor Plan 11.4.1 and where appropriate on Sections 11.6.1. and 11.6.2. 6.3.1. Doorway A (11.8.10.) – As stated at 6.2.1. above, this has a split barn/stable door with a drop ring door pull on a diamond shaped plate (11.8.47) on the top half door on the exterior, with a latch on the inside to the NE side of the door. The iron catch-plate is in situ on the door jamb (11.8.45). Internally there is another latch on the lower half door which would have been accessible from the outside only when the upper half had been opened. There is a corresponding iron catch- plate in situ on the door jamb for this latch. An iron pintle is situated on the internal SW wall for holding the top door in place when open, and there is an original internal wooden lintel over the doorway. (11.8.11). 6.3.2. Niche N (11.8.12.): There is a niche to the SE end of the SW wall with stone lintel and protruding stone sill. This an original feature and not a later insertion or blocking of a window or other aperture. The stones at the NW of the niche are curved around and are integrated into the outer skin of the wall. The back wall of the niche is one skin thick and daylight can be seen between the stones, where the mortar has deteriorated. 6.3.3. Window/muck hole H (11.8.13.): This is could have served as a muck hole, placed appropriately at the back of where cattle would have stood. There is lime wash still in situ on the wall around the aperture, which obscures the stone lintel which can be seen on the exterior. There is a stone sill that protrudes. At some point this window was glazed and a wooden frame remains. 6.3.4. Beams O (11.8.14.): Six original timber beams or joists have been placed at roughly equal intervals and are fixed into the SW wall stretching across to rest on the skelbuse or partition (S). This forms the support for the hay loft or baulks. The beams closest to the SW corner are wet and decayed at the ends, directly underneath where there a missing tiles from the roof and where wet hay was sat for a considerable amount of time. There are corresponding beams at the NE end of the barn reaching from the NE wall to the skelbuse/partition W.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 14 of 72 6.3.5. Floorboards P (11.8.15, 11.8.16, 11.8.17, 11.8.18): there are a number of extant original wooden floorboards with wooden pegs or trunnels in situ sitting on top of the beams which would have formed the floor of the hayloft or baulks. These do not cover the whole of the hayloft at this SW end as many have rotted. 11.8.5. 6.3.6. Step Q: A step runs the width of the barn, raising the floor level around 10cm, on which the stalls are located. This creates a muck channel or groop between the window/muckhole H and doorway A. 6.3.7. Ratchstake R (11.8.19.): An original wooden ratchstake is in situ. This is basically a wooden branch or stick with bark removed and fixed vertically in place. Cattle would be tied to this by a ring or framble although this no longer exists here. 6.3.8. Partition/Skelbuse S (11.8.20 & 11.8.21.): As well as dividing the barn and providing support for the beams (O), this would have served as a hay rack or cratches for the cattle housed here on the SW side. The NE side of the skelbuse consists of two wide wooden planks running the width of the barn NE to SW (11.8.22.). On this is inscribed a number of graffiti including apotropaic marks, sometimes referred to as ‘witches marks’ (11.8.23.). One graffito appears to be initials and a date - [C] F H 1910, and another J.W. 19[4_] (11.8.24.). J.W. also appears at least twice more. The apotropaic marks are known as daisy wheels or hexafoils (six-leaf), although few seem to be complete (11.8.25. & 11.8.26.). 6.3.9. Niche T (11.8.27.): There is a small niche to the NW of Doorway (G) on the NW wall of the barn. It has a thick lintel and a thin protruding sill. On the lintel are a series of marks that could have been created by sharpening implements or by a chisel. There are similar marks on the opposite side of the doorway (11.8.28.). 6.3.10. Doorway G (11.8.29. &11.8.30.): This doorway is central on the NW elevation and gives access to the fothergang – the area that lies between the stalls or boosts at each end. It is made from wooden planks although is not a split door. The bottom NE corner has been replaced at some point in the past. It has an original wooden internal lintel, which has been supported further by a second wooden lintel attached acting as a splint of sorts. 6.3.11. Niche U (11.8.31): This niche is opposite niche T and roughly matches it in form and size, with a thick lintel and thin protruding sill. 6.3.12. Doorway B (11.8.32.): This doorway like doorway A has a wooden planked split stable/barn door with iron drop ring pull handle on a diamond shaped plate (11.8.48.) and latch to the SW side of the door. The iron catch-plate is in situ on the doorjamb (11.8.46.). Internally there is another latch on the lower half door which would have been accessible from the outside only when the upper half had been opened. There is a corresponding iron catch-plate in situ on the door jamb for this latch. Inside there is an internal wooden lintel which is arched and presumable chosen because it had this natural bowing characteristic. 6.3.13. Beam V (11.8.33.): across the fothergang are beams similar to those over the SW end of the barn (O). These however were unlikely to have been there in the original manifestation of the barn and put in at a later date to maximise storage

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 15 of 72 space for hay. More loosely arranged beams cross perpendicularly and are not fixed in place and were likely adjusted as necessary. 6.3.14. Partition/Skelbuse W (11.8.34.): This partition or skelbuse is very similar to the skelbuse at the other side of the fothergang, serving to support overhead beams providing a dividing wall, as well as holding hay racks or cratches for cattle in the stalls on the other side. However, unlike the other skelbuse this one does not appear to have any apotropaic marks or other graffiti. 6.3.15. Doorway C (11.8.35.): This doorway like A and B has a wooden planked split stable/barn door with iron drop ring pull handle on a diamond shaped plate (11.8.49.) and latch to the SW side of the door. The iron catch-plate is in situ on the doorjamb. Internally there is another latch on the lower half door which would have been accessible from the outside only when the upper half had been opened. There is a corresponding iron catch-plate in situ on the door jamb for this latch. There is graffti on both doorjambs of this doorway. To the SW, it states ‘C.B 1957’ and below this in somewhat more angular script ‘D.E. 1993’ (11.8.36.). To the NE is inscribed ‘WILLIAM’ (11.8.37.). 6.3.16. Niche M (11.8.38.): This niche is on the NE wall and sits opposite that on the SW wall. It is of a similar size and although it is lime-washed a thick stone lintel can be ascertained above and it has a thin and long protruding stone sill. This sill is a through stone and can be seen on the exterior wall mentioned at 6.2.4. Like Niche N this was purposefully built and does not represent an infilling of a previous aperture, despite the sill being visible on the outside. 6.3.17. Window/muck hole H (11.8.39.): This is in the NW elevation and matches that at the SW end. Similarly, it is likely to have served as a muck hole as well as for light and ventilation placed appropriately at the back of where cattle would have stood. This end of the barn generally has more lime-wash still in situ although the stone lintel visible on the outside can be ascertained here. The opening has a thin stone sill and a wooden frame but no glazing. 6.3.18. Boskins X (11.8.40. & 11.8.41.): There are five extant stalls with wooden planked boskins separating them. They are of alternating lengths of 125cm and 98cm. 6.3.19. Ratchstakes Y (11.8.41-11.8.43.): There are 5 extant ratchstakes, with one at the NW end against the wall (11..8.42) and the others, two either side of the 1st and 3rd boskin, going from SE to NW (see 11.8.41 & 11.8.43). The chain and framble (ring) for tying cattle to exist in two cases on the ratchstakes on either side of the 3rd boskin. 6.3.20. Floorboards Z (11.8.44.): the original floorboards to the hayloft survive for much of this area sitting on top of six beams (O – see 6.3.4.). 6.3.21. Step AA (11.8.35): A step runs the width of the barn, raising the floor level around 10cm, on which the stalls are located. This creates a muck channel or groop between the window/muckhole H and doorway C.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 16 of 72 6.4. Internal Features: First Floor The first floor like the ground floor is divided into 3 bays with hay lofts over the two ends and a more makeshift loft over the central fothergrang. The S corner of the barn shows particular poor joining between the SE and SW elevations (11.8.50), although the visible crack at the NE end of the SE elevation is not visible on the internal wall (11.8.52.). Only the SW end of the barn at first floor level was accessed, although there was good visibility across to the other side. Where measurements were difficult to get directly, they were ascertained through the 3D matterport scan created during the condition survey by Restoration Projects Ltd (matterport 3D imaging) and by using measurements taken from other points e.g. for external elevations. 6.4.1. Ventilation Slits D and E: (11.8.50. & 11.8.52.). Two ventilation slits on the SE elevation allowed air into the hayloft. 6.4.2. Pitching hole F (11.8.53.): with internal wooden lintel and stone sill and wooden plank shutter. There is some damage to the stone surrounding the window, where some stones are missing and look loose where the mortar has degraded. 6.4.3. Ventilation Slit J (11.8.51.): there is a secondary ventilation slit on the NW elevation giving further ventilation to hay that would have been stored in the SW end. 6.4.4. Window/pitching hole I (11.8.54.): This window would have served as a pitching hole for getting hay in and out of the NE end of the barn. It has a wooden lintel and stone sill. 6.4.5. Ventilation slit L (11.8.54.): a ventilation slit a high level on the NE gable end gave further ventilation to hay stored in the end of the barn. 6.4.6. Purlins BB (11.8.55. & 11.8.56.): there are original timber purlins along the whole length of the SE side of the barn (11.8.56.) and to the SW end on the NW side (11.8.57.) 6.4.7. Modern Purlins CC (11.8.57.): These have replaced original ones from the central to the NE end of the NW side of the roof. 6.4.8. Trusses DD (11.8.57.): There are two queen post trusses in the barn each approximately on the same line as the skelbuses/partitions below. They are not original. 6.4.9. Roof (internal): The roof has had work done at some point in the last century when it appears the trusses and rafters, lathes and some of the purlins were replaced. It is likely it was reroofed using existing tiles or replaced like for like with Staffordshire blue clay tiles. To the SW end of the barn the roof has missing and slipped tiles and broken rafters and lathes (11.8.55. &11.8.56.), which has allowed water in that soaked the hay and subsequently caused the beams (O) at this end to rot.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 17 of 72 7. Discussion 7.1. General 7.1.1. Hobcroft Barn was built in the first half to the mid-19th century and likely to be at the start of a trend starting around the 1840s known as the ‘High Farming’ years (Lake & Edwards 2017, p4). On an estate belonging to Harpur Crewe family, it is perhaps to be expected that the resources, knowledge and foresight to engage in these developments in agriculture would be readily available. Rather than being a rural backwater where it could sometimes take many years for new ideas to reach, Warslow benefitted from the connection with a well-established aristocratic family who owned and managed a large part of this area. At the beginning of the 19th Century they were investing much time, effort and resources into Warslow. Warlsow Hall was built at the beginning of the 19th century as was Hobcroft Farm, and cottages (if they were indeed built by the Harpur Crewe family) and a short time later Hobcroft barn itself. Sir George Harpur Crewe who inherited the baronetcy in 1818 was a known philanthropist who attempted to improve the lot of his tenants on the Calke Estate by rebuilding schools for example, and may well have been instrumental in developing the Warslow Estate also (National Trust, undated). 7.1.2. Whilst the barn follows the vernacular tradition, the plan shows clearly how the design was conceived from the outset, perhaps reflecting that it was part of an estate. It is on the whole symmetrical with three evenly spaced doors leading to three bays and ventilation slots on the SE elevation, with a corresponding central door on the NW elevation and windows at first floor level. The SE elevation as the principal elevation also received special attention by having dressed and rusticated quoins at the corners of the building. This was replicated around the doors and windows on the SE, SW and NW elevations. The niches N and M are also more for less symmetrical as are the niches T and U. The gable ends show variation in this symmetry along with the first floor pitching hole on the NW elevation, which was for function rather than form, very much in the vernacular tradition. 7.1.3. In addition, each end matches the opposite one in terms of hay rack and stalls, although it not clear that the number in the SW end would have matched the NE end. Common practice was to have yearling stirks tied in one end with bigger stalls for heifers and dry cows on the other side (Hine, 2013). 7.2. The barn retains its original form, with many original fittings and fixtures in situ. All doorways and openings remain with no blockings, the stalls in the NE end remain with skelbuses at both ends. Much of the original hayloft also remains including beams and some floorboards. There is more recent replacements in the roof including to purlins, trusses, rafters and lathes and added support to the wooden interior lintel of doorway G. The windows/muckholes (H) have had more recent frames and glazing, and the door at doorway G has had some planks replaced. Iron fittings all appear to be original, where in some places they have Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 18 of 72 corroded, damaging stonework such as around window/pitching hole (I). Niches remain as they would have done and would have been used for storing and placing any number of items that farmers needed in their day to day business, such as lamps, medicines, halters and ropes, cow salve etc. (Hine 2013, p. 9). There are also a number of interesting historical items inside the barn that have been left such as a horse drawn sledge and sickle handle (11.8.39.). The barn is a great example of snapshot in time where, as farming practices have developed, its use has diminished. In this case, the barn was not adapted but used until it had no longer had the same use and then left, being used only as a repository for bits and pieces that were no longer needed.

7.3. Graffiti 7.3.1. The graffiti on the skelbuse illustrates the common use of apotropaic marks. The type found here is the daisy wheel or hexafoil – a circle within which are six petals or leaves. Although not fully understood, the common interpretation of daisy wheel or hexafoil marks is they have some ritual function to avert evil and thus presumably ensure either a good harvest and/or good health and milk yield in cattle, hence the description of them as ‘apotropaic’, meaning to ward off evil. However, others have suggested they are simply apprentice marks and secular in nature (Historic England, undated). Many of the hexafoils on the skelbuse in the barn are unfinished and appear to be practices, which would support the latter interpretation, although the prevalence of such marks in other barns and houses across the country often near door openings from the 16th century to the 19th century may imply that they did indeed have a more spiritual nature, at least in some cases. That photographed in 11.8.26. is the only well-defined complete one in Hobcroft barn. 7.3.2. These hexafoils could have been made using a compass or dividers, although it has been argued that it would only be certain craftspeople who would have access to this specialised tool (ibid). This may mean that the marks were made when the barn was built and the various components made and thus supports the idea of them as being apprentice marks. Another suggestion is that because many such marks are found in rural buildings such as barns, they could have been made using shearing tools or a race knife which would have allowed geometric circles to be drawn by farmers themselves over a longer period of time and who had more personal investment in ensuring livestock and harvest were healthy and bountiful, thus supporting a more ritual interpretation. 7.3.3. The perhaps more common practice of writing initials with dates in the way of saying ‘I was here’, is also apparent in the barn. J. W. seems to have been one individual who either was frequently in the barn or spent some time during one episode practicing his art on the skelbuse, but there are others here such as the possible [C] F H 1910, and on the doorjambs at doorway C. As stated at 6.3.15., these are ‘C.B 1957’ and in a somewhat more angular script ‘D.E. 1993’

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 19 of 72 (11.8.36.). To the NE is ‘WILLIAM’ (11.8.37.). The letters here look quite inconsistent in size and shape and may suggest that a child inscribed this. 7.3.4. It is clear that the dated graffito of 1910 overlies the daisy wheel or hexafoil marks and so gives a terminus ante quem for the ritual marks. Writing a date next to initials is most helpful and in most cases they can be relied upon. However, i t would be worth recording the marks on the skelbuse in detail to try to unravel the sequence in which the marks were made and perhaps gain a deeper understanding of why. It would also be worthwhile to further inspect the second skelbuse to clarify if there really are no marks on this side. If there are none, then it would be worth considering why this is the case. Does this reflect a different function in the two sides or could the two planks of this skelbuse be a replacement of earlier ones that did have marks inscribed?

8. Conclusions 8.1. Hobcroft Barn is one of a number of isolated field barns that are typical of this area of Warslow Moors. The barn is situated at the edge of fossilised medieval strip fields typical on the south and southeast edges of the village of Warslow before the hill-side slopes steeply down to the Manifold valley. Modern public rights of way (PRoWs) follow historic footpaths and tracks in area, although only one wall is still extant along one historic walled route-way to barn past Hobcroft Farm. 8.2. The barn could be associated with Hobcroft Farm c.300m to the northwest consisting of the Grade II listed ‘Smalley’s Stores and Hobcroft Farmhouse’ (listing no. 1265705) and ‘Hobcroft Cottages’ (listing no. 1226854) which would give a complete picture of early to mid-19th century farmstead and associated field barn built by the Harpur Crewe family on their Warslow Moors Estate. However, research has shown that the earliest available maps show that while the barn was part of the Harpur Crewe estate, the farm buildings were not and there is perhaps another story to tell here. 8.3. The significance of this barn comes from the fact it is a traditional field barn built of traditional materials reflecting the local geology with limestone and gritstone walls, gritstone and sandstone quoins and Staffordshire blue tiles. It has a number of original internal features including a hay-loft and near complete boost with wooden boskins/bosgins, ratch-stake and skelbuse to the southeast end, and a skelbuse and ratch-stake surviving to the northwest end, with a fothergang between the two ends. Apotropaic marks have been engraved on the skelbuse at the northwest end facing the fothergang. 8.4. It also has significance because of its high landscape amenity value: it is highly visible from Dale Mine and Ecton Hill and from PRoWs in the area. In addition, it is situated along a PRoW with the potential for public/educational access. As such it contributes significantly to the local distinctiveness of the immediate area, which has examples of isolated field barns scattered around the landscape,

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 20 of 72 and adds the character of the wider South West Peak (National Character Area (NCA) 53). 8.5. The largely untouched form of the barn and all that remains inside enables a picture of past farming life to be imagined, where the busy comings and goings of livestock and people throughout the seasons and years have left their mark.

9. Archive transfer 9.1. The archive has been agreed to be deposited with the Potteries Museum an Art Gallery and will be transferred by 31st December 2021. 9.2. A digital copy of the report will be submitted to the PDNPA for inclusion into the PDNPA HBSMR and subsequently the Staffordshire HER. 9.3. A field/paper archive will be compiled consisting of all primary written documents, plans, sections, elevations along with a printed copy of the report, as well as a CD Rom/USB drive with each of the above saved as digital copies as well as the digital photographs. This will be submitted to the Potteries Museum in accordance with specific conditions and guidelines (Potteries Museum and Art Gallery 2018). 9.4. The digital archive as outlined in 9.3. consisting of digital copies of plans, sections, elevations, the historic building recording report, and the digital photographs will be submitted to the ADS. 9.5. An OASIS online record http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/project/oasis/ will be initiated and key fields completed on Details, Location and Creators forms. This will include an uploaded .pdf version of the final report. 9.6. The PDNPA’s Senior Conservation Archaeologist will be notified of the final deposition of the archive.

10. References ADS and Digital Antiquity. 2013. Caring for Digital Data in Archaeology: A Guide to Good Practice. Oxford: Oxbow

Belford, P. 2011. ‘The archaeology of everything’ – grappling with post-medieval, industrial and contemporary archaeology. In Watt, S. (Ed.) The Archaeology of the West Midlands: A framework for research. University of Birmingham, 211-36.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), 2020 (updated edition). Standard and guidance for the creation, compilation, transfer and deposition of archaeological archives, Reading: Chartered Institute for Archaeologists

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). 2019a (Revised edition). Code of Conduct. Reading: Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 21 of 72 Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2019b (Updated edition). The Standards and Guidance for the Archaeological Investigation and Recording of Standing Buildings or Structures. Reading: Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.

Edwards B. 2008. Historic Farmsteads and Landscape Character in Staffordshire

Historic England Undated. What Are Witches’ Marks? Historic England, viewed 3rd August 2020

Historic England 2016. Understanding Historic Buildings. A Guide to Good Recording Practice. London: Historic England.

National Trust, Undated. The History of Calke Abbey, National Trust, viewed 4th August 2020

Watt, S. (Ed.) 2011. The Archaeology of the West Midlands: A framework for research. University of Birmingham

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 22 of 72 11. Illustrations 11.1. Location maps 11.1.1.Location of Hobcroft Barn, Warslow, Staffordshire Moorlands in the Country Scale 1:3000000 at A4

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 23 of 72 11.1.2.Location of Hobcroft Barn, Warslow in the Peak District National Park Scale 1:200000 at A4

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 24 of 72 11.1.3.Location map Scale 1:5000 at A4

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 25 of 72 11.2. Setting 11.2.1.Hobcroft barn at the edge of Warslow village

Area of fossilised medieval strip fields

Area of piecemeal enclosure

Manifold Valley

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 26 of 72 11.3. Topography 11.3.1.View of Hobcroft barn and Ecton hill beyond looking southeast

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 27 of 72 11.3.2. View of Dale Mine form Hobcroft barn looking east northeast

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 28 of 72 11.3.3.. View of Hobcroft barn from Dale Mine

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 29 of 72 11.4. Plans 11.4.1. Ground floor plan Drawn at 1:50: measured and drawn by C Parker Heath, S Timson

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 30 of 72 11.4.2.First floor plan Drawn at 1:50: measured and drawn by C Parker Heath and S Timson

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 31 of 72 11.5. Elevations 11.5.1. South East elevation Drawn at 1:50: measured and drawn by A Knisely-Marpole, R Knisely-Marpole, N Martin and C Parker Heath

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 32 of 72 11.5.2. North West elevation Drawn at 1:50: measured and drawn by M Crowder, S Timson and C Parker Heath

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 33 of 72 11.5.3. South West elevation Drawn at 1:50: measured and drawn by M Crowder, S Timson and C Parker Heath

11.5.4.North East elevation Drawn at 1:50: measured and drawn by A Knisely-Marpole, R Knisely-Marpole, N Martin and C Parker Heath

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 34 of 72 11.6. Sections 11.6.1. Long-section L-L1 Drawn at 1:50: measured and drawn by R Knisely-Marpole, A Knisely-Marpole, N Martin, A Batson, A Ash, C Parker Heath

11.6.2.Cross-section A-A1 Drawn at 1:50: measured and drawn by C Parker Heath

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 35 of 72 11.7. Photographic record plans 11.7.1. Ground floor photo plan

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 36 of 72 11.7.2. First floor photo plan

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 37 of 72 11.8. Photographs used to illustrate all key points

Photo 11.8.1. SE elevation

Photo 11.8.2. SW elevation

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 38 of 72 Photo 11.8.3. NW elevation

Photo 11.8.4. NE elevation

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 39 of 72

Photo 11.8.5. Looking N, SE and SW elevations

Photo 11.8.6. Looking S, NW and NE elevations

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 40 of 72

Photo 11.8.7. Looking W, SE and NE elevations

Photo 11.8.8. Looking SW, paving to SE of barn

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 41 of 72 Photo 11.8.9. Looking SW and down, paving to SE of barn

Photo 11.8.10. Doorway (A), internal view

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 42 of 72 Photo 11.8.11. Doorway (A) internal wooden lintel, and beam (O)

Photo 11.8.12. Niche (N)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 43 of 72 Photo 11.8.13. Window (H) at SW end, internal view

Photo 11.8.14. Beams (O), looking NW towards window (H), niche (N) to left of picture

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 44 of 72 Photo 11.8.15. Floorboards (P)

Photo 11.8.16. Floorboards (P)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 45 of 72 Photo 11.8.17. Floorboards (P)

Photo 11.8.18. Floorboards (P)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 46 of 72 Photo 11.8.19. Ratch-stake (R)

Photo 11.8.20. Partition (S) SW side

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 47 of 72 Photo 11.8.21. Partition (S), SW side detail

Photo 11.8.22. Partition (S) NE side

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 48 of 72 Photo 11.8.23. Partition (S) NE side detail

Photo 11.8.24. Partition (S) NE side detail, initials FH and date 1910

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 49 of 72 Photo 11.8.25. Partition (S) NE side detail of apotropaic marks

Photo 11.8.26. Partition (S) NE side detail of apotropaic marks

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 50 of 72 Photo 11.8.27. Niche (T)

Photo 11.8.28. NE side of doorway (G)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 51 of 72 Photo 11.8.29. Doorway (G) internal lintel

Photo 11.8.30. Doorway (G) and partition (W)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 52 of 72 Photo 11.8.31. Niche (U)

Photo 11.8.32. Doorway (B) internal lintel and beams (V)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 53 of 72 Photo 11.8.33. Beams (V)

Photo 11.8.34. Partition (W) SW side

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 54 of 72 Photo 11.8.35. Doorway (C) internal view and step up (AA)

Photo 11.8.36. Graffiti on SW doorjamb of Doorway (C)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 55 of 72 Photo 11.8.37. Graffiti on NE doorjamb of doorway (C)

Photo 11.8.38. Niche (M)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 56 of 72 Photo 11.8.39. Window (H) at NE end internal view

Photo 11.8.40. Boskins (X) looking S

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 57 of 72 Photo 11.8.41. Boskins (X) detail

Photo 11.8.42. Ratch-stake (Y)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 58 of 72 Photo 11.8.43. Detail of ratch-stake with chain and ‘framble’ in stall

Photo 11.8.44. Floorboards (Z)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 59 of 72 Photo 11.8.45. Doorway (A) latch

Photo 11.8.46. Doorway (B) latch

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 60 of 72 Photo 11.8.47. Doorway (A) door handle

Photo 11.8.48. Doorway (B) door handle

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 61 of 72 Photo 11.8.49. Doorway (C) door handle

Photo 11.8.50. Ventilation slit (D)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 62 of 72 Photo 11.8.51. Ventilation slit (J)

Photo 11.8.52. Ventilation slit (E)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 63 of 72 Photo 11.8.53. Pitching hole (F)

Photo 11.8.54. Window (I) and ventilation slit (L)

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 64 of 72 Photo 11.8.55. Purlin (BB) – to NW

Photo 11.8.56. Purlin (BB) – to SE

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 65 of 72 Photo 11.8.57. Modern replacement purlins (CC) and truss

11.9. Historic maps 11.9.1.Excerpt from Original Series One-inch OS Map (81. ), c.1860. Hobcroft Barn circled in red.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 66 of 72 11.9.2. Hobcroft Barn on First edition Six-inch OS Map 1879.

11.9.3.Hobcroft Farm and newly enclosed fields up to the field where Hobcroft barn should be (circled red). Note trackway.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 67 of 72

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 68 of 72 12. Appendices 12.1. Copy of the initial site assessment SITE ASSESSMENT: 0958_B001 Hobcroft Field Barn

Site Plan: Grid Ref: SK0910358440

Summary Traditional combination field barn with far reaching views and very high landscape amenity value, along PROWs with potential for public/educational access, with survival of orginal internal fetaures.

Site and management issues Site boundary ownership and use: PDNPA Warslow Moors Estate, Hobcroft Farm tenant T Grindon, no longer in use. Site access and services: No services and access across field only, no track Designations? None Historic character Setting: The barn is situated at the edge of fossilised medieval strip fields typical around Warslow, drystone walls and remnants of drystone walls with some hedges. Few trees. SE edge of Warslow before hill side slopes steeply down to Manifold valley. Striking view across valley towards Dale Mine and Ecton Hill. Modern PROWs follow historic footpaths/tracks in area, although one historic walled route way to barn from Hobcroft farm only one wall still extant. Very high landscape amenity value – highly visible from Dale Mine and Ecton and from PROW in area.

The farmstead and its buildings? (with focus on the barn in question) Farmstead of Hobcroft Farm (Grade II listed) to NW. the field barn in question, along with this Farmstead which has high survival of original buildings, gives complete picture of 19th C farmstead and associated field barn.

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 69 of 72 Significant views to Manifold Valley ESE from barn where it slopes dramatically down. Barn has original internal features including hay rack, and near complete wooden stalls, ratch-stakes, skelbuses etc. Cow-shed with hayloft above with 3 doors on south-side. Windows or muck holes on N side. Built of traditional materials – limestone and gritstone and Staffordshire blue tiles. Pitching hole on W gable and E end of N elevation.

Significance - 19th C barn (on 1st Ed. 1878 OS Map) - Built from traditional materials. Vernacular, random irregular blocks, limestone. - In original state, no alterations or blockings of windows or doorways - Extant original internal features in situ, although in need of restoration - Example of vernacular building built for need relating to past farming practices. Now no longer in any significant use. - Contributes significantly to the local distinctiveness of area. - Associated with Grade II listed farmstead to NW (Hobcroft Farm)? - in a national context relatively rare survival of ‘complete package’

CAPACITY FOR CHANGE Need for change Weight of wet hay in hayloft beginning to push out walls, which is making the structure unsound. Remedial works necessary to prevent further damage, Slipped tiles in roof allowing water in exacerbating this problem. Crack E end of S elevation. These problems will only get worse if left. Original internal fixtures and fittings need restoring to save them

Potential uses Agricultural use – shelter and for storage of equipment and hay? Possibility of interpretation centre of some kind, possibly for Dale Mine which is highly visible from this point. Also on PROW from E, N and to SW

Opportunities Risks Landowner is PDNPA and keen to repair Expensive, structural problems? On PROW Continued maintenance especially if interpretation centre SWP BB project can partially fund beyond life of SWPLP Possibility for use as interpretation centre for project in SWP Small Heritage Adoption Project

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 70 of 72 12.2. Scoring form: Assessment criteria SWPLPS BARNS AND BUILDINGS PROJECT 0958_B001 Hobcroft Field Barn Assessment Criteria for Field Barns and Outfarms

Significance Score Range Score 1. Date of building ▪ Pre 1750 8 ▪ 1750-1914 4 4 ▪ Post 1914 ineligible 2. Status ▪ Listed 4 ▪ Curtilage/ Conservation Area/Local List 2 ▪ No Listing 1 1 3. Style of building ▪ Vernacular 4 4 ▪ Designed 4 ▪ Industrially produced 1 4. Survival of the barn/outfarm ▪ Substantially intact: less than 25% change 16 16 and associated structures as a ▪ Partial Loss: 25%-50% change 8 whole ▪ Significant Loss: more than 50% change 4 ▪ Major loss: More than 75% change 1 5. Significance of the field ▪ Rare survival (national) 16 16 barn/outfarm (Guidance states that ‘rare survival’ ▪ Representative farmstead type for the area 8 includes “Pre-19th century and period examples of field barns, and those ▪ Unrepresentative farmstead type for area 4 surviving in coherent historic landscapes and with a strong visual relationship to other farmsteads and features”) 6. The barn/outfarm’s ▪ Significant Contribution 8 8 contribution to historic ▪ Limited Contribution 4 landscape character (this is likely to be “significant” in all cases) ▪ No Contribution 2 7. Individual interest of the ▪ Rare survival 16 building (“rare” highly ▪ Representative building type for the area and 8 8 specialised buildings of unusual period type or pre-1750) ▪ Unrepresentative building type for area and 4 period

8. Fittings and fixtures ▪ Rare original features survive 8 8 (internal fittings and fixtures that add to its character and are ▪ Typical original features survive 4 associated with the use e.g. stalls, grain bins, machinery, & including ▪ Partial loss of original features or survival of 2 doors and windows) secondary features ▪ All original features removed 1 9. Additional interest ▪ Unusual feature of historic interest 4 e.g. Graffiti, ritual marks, tallies (Incremental – possible total mark ▪ Feature associated with use of land/ritual 2 2 of 7) ▪ Constructional marks 1 1

Hobcroft Field Barn Historic Building Recording Page 71 of 72 Vulnerability 10. Building fabric ▪ Particularly rare or vulnerable fabric 16 ▪ Traditional 8 8 ▪ Not original but still largely traditional 4 ▪ Extensive use of non-traditional materials 1 11.Changes to Building ▪ Original form 8 8 ▪ Largely original form 4 ▪ Largely changed 2 12. Potential for Adaptation – ▪ None, or low economic potential 16 16 do we want this to affect those chosen to take forward? Idea is also ▪ Some potential for non-original re-use 8 to find new alternative uses e.g. camping barn also all would pretty ▪ High potential for change to new use 4 much have none or low (therefore don’t include?) 15. Impact of expected use ▪ No loss of integrity or character 8 8 ▪ Little change in fabric or character 4 ▪ Significant intervention 1 17. Wildlife interest ▪ Evidence of protected species 4 ▪ Tangible evidence of use, current or past 2 2 ▪ Wildlife potential 1 16. Visibility (landscape ▪ High 16 16 amenity value) V important (score higher – e.g. 32, ▪ Medium 8 16, 8) ▪ Limited 4 18. Public access ▪ Public/educational access to building 16 V important (score same for access and permitted route – most will ▪ Permitted route adjacent or close to building 16 16 not have public access but proximity important for ▪ Clearly visible from permitted route 4 interpretation purpose and to create trails 13. Extent of restoration work ▪ Minimal Maintenance/repair required to safeguard & weatherproof building –(no ▪ Substantial work required Restoration (or score - this is a way of categorising consideration for level of work necessary) refer consolidation if lower closely to guidance: scoring in other categories marked *)

▪ Extensive rebuilding/structural work Consolidation

Total Score 142/171 With internal Yes inspection

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