Great Barn Farm, Gayton Thorpe, Norfolk

Oxford Archaeology East has been commissioned by Julian Kerkham of W.H.Kerkham (Rhoon) to undertake the historic building recording of a number of redundant farm buildings in the village of Gayton Thorpe, approximately 6 miles east of Kings Lynn, Norfolk. The work took place in late September 2010 and was carried out in accordance with a Brief issued by James Albone of Norfolk County Council Landscape Archaeology and a Specification prepared by Oxford Archaeology East (Fletcher 2010).
The project required the survey of six disused farm buildings, including a Grade II Listed barn prior to conversion into residential dwellings and holiday lets.
The survey revealed that the main Grade II listed barn was a threshing barn and comprised two main phases of construction dating to the 18th and 19th century. The remaining buildings dated to the early-late 19th century and were most likely built to accommodate cattle and horses.
Although much original building material survives in all the buildings, most have been re-roofed and original fixtures and fittings removed. Many phases of alteration and repair have taken place in order for the buildings to survive and continue to function, reflecting the changes in agriculture and subsequent use of the farm buildings over the past two centuries.