Farmstead record BLL 017 - Outfarm: Inghams Barn

Until the construction of the present farmhouse in the 1930s the timber-framed and weatherboarded barn was an isolated structure belonging in 1839 to a large holding of 221.5 acres based at Elm Farm on the Somersham Road 1 km to the south-west. Field barns were often built on the margins of larger farms such as this but an adjacent pond is consistent with the presence of an earlier farmstead on the site.

The barn is a medium-sized structure in five bays which consists chiefly of re-used late-medieval timber. The present structure is typical of the early-19th century, with an original clasped-purlin roof, bolted knee-braces and primary wall braces that are nailed rather than pegged to the frame. A gabled southern porch adjoined a small enclosed yard in 1839 but appears to be a slightly later addition which must have been newly built when depicted on the tithe map of that year. An extensive refurbishment of the mid-20th century saw the complete renewal of its doors and weatherboarding, along with the substitution of corrugated asbestos for thatch. The single-storied brick and timber sheds adjoining the eastern gable are much altered 20th century additions (S1).

Inghams Barn, Little Blakenham. 19th century field barn, converted. Loose courtyard two-sided plan formed by working agricultural buildings. The farmhouse is set away from the yard. Partial loss (less than 50%) of the traditional farm buildings. Located within an isolated position (S2-7).

Recorded as part of the Farmsteads in the Suffolk Countryside Project. This is a purely desk-based study and no site visits were undertaken. These records are not intended to be a definitive assessment of these buildings. Dating reflects their presence at a point in time on historic maps and there is potential for earlier origins to buildings and farmsteads. This project highlights a potential need for a more in depth field study of farmstead to gather more specific age data.