After what seems like ages spent buried in the business side of things, both Dan Dodds, our Associate Director, and myself (Andy Buckley, Managing Director) finally had the chance to get our boots back on the ground. This week, we headed out to the Clitheroe area for a Level 2 Historic Building Recording – and we couldn’t have picked a better day for it. The sun was shining, the skies were clear, and it was a perfect day to remind ourselves why we got into this line of work in the first place.
The site, though small at around 5 by 12 metres, was an absolute gem. Tucked away in the Lancashire countryside, this little barn had so much to tell. Dating back to the 1700s, the building had clearly evolved over time, reflecting the changing needs of those who used it. Originally an agricultural barn, it had morphed into a cow milking shed, complete with plastered and whitewashed walls on the lower floor where the cattle would have rubbed against them. And more recently, it served as a storage outbuilding.
What made this visit particularly fascinating were the layers of history we uncovered as we explored. From the addition of new windows and blocked-up doors to lean-tos and the installation of electricity, each change told a story of adaptation and survival. It’s not every day you see such a clear evolution in one small building.
The real surprise, though, was upstairs in the hay barn area. As we climbed up, we were greeted by a central chimney on the gable wall, but that wasn’t all. We noticed that the entire upper floor walls had been raised. Originally, the roof was supported by two sets of large, curved beams (maybe taken from the skeleton of a sea ship?), but at some point, the roof had been raised by about 6 to 8 feet. The new height allowed for more standing room and better use of the space, with additional stonework filling the gap left by the raised roof. A series of vertical slit vents had been added, presumably to improve ventilation and prevent mould and damp in the hay store below.
It’s these kinds of discoveries that make our work at AB Heritage so rewarding. We’re not just ticking boxes for our clients – though we certainly got everything they needed on this trip – we’re uncovering the hidden stories of places that might otherwise be overlooked.
By early afternoon, our work was done, and we set off back to the office. A leisurely drive, a good chat (setting the world to rights, as you do), and a bite to eat along the way made for a perfect end to the day. It’s days like this that remind us why we love what we do. There’s something special about getting out into the field, uncovering history, and seeing first-hand the stories that buildings like this can tell.
Here’s to more days like this one – exploring the hidden corners of this beautiful part of the country and continuing to uncover the stories that make our heritage so rich.
For more on what we do at AB Heritage, from historic building recording to archaeological consultancy, check out the rest of our website. We’re always up for a chat about your next project!
Andy Buckley