Building record REY 061 - Elms Farm Barn

In February 2008, Archaeological Solutions (AS) carried out a programme of historic building recording and archaeological monitoring and recording at Elms Farm Barn, Rissemere Lane East, Reydon, Suffolk. The recording was commissioned in advance of conversion of one barn and four outbuildings. The site has a low-moderate archaeological potential for prehistoric remains. Roman occupation appears to be limited. It is likely that the settlement of Reydon existed in the Anglo-Saxon period, and that medieval Reydon was moderate in size. Cartographic evidence indicated structures present on the site in 1839.

The buildings comprise a four-bay timber-framed and weatherboarded barn, with brick outbuildings forming an enclosed courtyard. Constructional characteristics of the barn indicate a 17th century date. The wall panels utilise primary bracing, a system usually found from the 18th century onwards, which together suggest a date for construction in the latter half of the 17th century, and thus probably contemporary with the listed Elms Farmhouse. Later augmentation comprised 18th century underpinning with a boundary wall established to the east. Overall much of the original frame remains in tact.

The early-mid 19th century saw the existing brick outbuildings constructed, and the two outshuts that flank the barn are of a similar date. These buildings include a 4 bay stable, a workshop, an engine house and a 3 bay cartshed. Some additional buildings which were also built at this time have since been removed. Minor alterations occurred in the 20th century with the insertion of steel-framed windows in the outbuilds and the replacement of the original roofing material of the barn.

One small posthole was recorded during the monitoring and recording. This was tentatively assigned to the later post medieval period, and it may be associated with the construction of outbuildings in the early 19th century (S1).