Outbuildings to NE of Gwerclas Hall

Location

Located to the NE of Gwerclas Hall and associated courtyard buildings.

History

The layout of the buildings is shown on the tithe map of 1838. Substantial alterations occurred in the early C20 when the complex was converted to a dairy.

Exterior

The buildings are arranged around 4 sides of a courtyard, and some are in poor condition. Mainly of random stone with slate roofs; wooden door and window frames, much of the glazing and doors missing.

The lofted W range, facing E into courtyard, has a doorway to R of centre and window opening to L of centre, with loft opening above (no glazing or doors). Further L, the range is ruined, with a scar of the S gable end visible on the S range. N gable end has been truncated, the wall replaced by corrugated iron sheeting with a pair of openings to ground floor and one to loft. No openings to external W side.

The N range was originally a barn. It is of rubble stone with a corrugated asbestos roof. The S side, facing into the yard has a wide full-height central opening, later infilled with masonry to the L-hand side and some brickwork to the R. Inserted into the former is a cast iron bearing box which carried a shaft to the inside of the building, probably from a stationary engine. To the L is a hole in the wall, infilled with brick and a former window opening; ventilation slits to far L. The W gable end has a wide opening offset to L; large circular vents to both gables. Two high-level openings to N wall.

To the E of the courtyard is an external boundary wall, against which are 2 single-storey animal houses; that to L is small with a doorway to L, the roof partly missing. Second building to R is of dressed masonry, and has doorway to L, with unglazed overlight, and window to R with segmental brick head. Also doorway to L-return. Wide opening to far R.

Long S range with doorways to L and centre of courtyard side, the latter with brick jambs and a concrete lintel. Part-glazed wooden window with ventilator between doorways. Long C20 window to far R in brick infill to former opening. Loft with raked dormer to L of centre, no hatch. The W gable end has a loft hatch with timber slats. S external side has C20 openings; from L, C20 garage doors, C20 door with brick jambs, C20 wooden window; planked door with brick jambs, and 4-pane window to R. Loft hatch above

Interior

The W range was used as a milking shed in the C20, with the remains of metal stall partitions, a manger against the W wall and concrete floors. The ceiling has 3 cross beams, slightly chamfered, and plain joists to the loft floor, which is reached by a wooden ladder immediately R of the entrance.

North range has 5-bay interior open to the roof; tie beam trusses, mainly nailed, with curved struts. Remains of metal-framed stall partitions and concrete floors. On the internal N wall is a cast iron bearing box, aligned with that outside.

Reason for designation

Listed for group value with Gwerclas Hall and associated courtyard buildings.