History

Of uncertain date, the building seems to be in front of the inner bank of a large quadrangular enclosure, partly revealed by archaeological excavation, and on the original axis of the main roadway to Pen-y-bryn, probably of late medieval date. Later converted into a barn similar in character to the great barn of 1605 at Vaynol Park, the original vehicular openings of the suggested gatehouse were reused as opposing threshing doorways; long lower cowhouse range attached to south gable end is probably early C19.

Exterior

Barn and cowhouse, former retaining substantial elements of what may have been a late medieval gatehouse. Barn is a long rectangular structure on 2 storeys aligned roughly north-south with lower, long cowhouse range attached to south gable end. Very irregularly coursed rubblestone with buttered pointing and massive rubblestone masonry platform on west side; slate roofs with brick coping and ridge ventilators. East side of barn has tier of narrow gritstone ventilators below eaves, 4 to left bay, 2 to centre and 4 to right; another group of 4 to right bay on ground floor and a single ventilator on left, others possibly obliterated by inserted doorway at this point. Wide central entrance has voussoirs to segmental arch with irregularly shaped timber lintel inserted below. 3 late C20 rooflights. Steeply pitched lean-to on north gable end. Cowhouse following sloping ground to south has stable doors to left and right, latter with ventilator window on right; further ventilator window in south gable end.

Interior

Only cursory inspection possible at time of Survey. Wooden floor structure of barn's first floor being entirely replaced in new oak; retains 3-bay queen-post roof of c1700.

Reasons for Listing

Included at II* as an unusually fine barn of c1700 with strong physical evidence that it retains substantial elements of a late medieval building which may have been a gatehouse.

Scheduled Ancient Monument (218).

External Links

• Cadwr Listing
• Wikidata Q17743612

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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