Home Farm, Burton-In-Kendal, Cumbria- Archaeological Building Investigation

(Planning Application 5/05/0116) to South Lakeland District Council to convert Home Farm, a Model Farm on the Dalton Hall Estate, Burton in Kendal, Cumbria (SD 5384 7610), into office accommodation. As part of the planning procedure, the council consulted Cumbria County Council Historic Environment Service (CCCHES), which recommended an building recording programme of English Heritage (2006) Level III standard. This was to include a rapid desk-based assessment, which would provide a historical background and detail any changes in the development of the building. In addition, an extensive site investigation was to be undertaken, comprising written descriptions, as well an extensive photographic record, and site drawings of the floor plans and sections. J B Birch Architect requested that Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) undertake the building investigation, which was duly completed in August 2006.

The survey revealed that the barn and ranges were built in the mid nineteenth century as a ‘model farm’, and were evidently used for that purpose. Although the farm was built to older designs, made popular during the early years of the trend (1750-1800), it was a progressive and modernistic enterprise, which utilised the latest steam-powered technology, and moreover, recognised the growing importance of rearing livestock. It was deliberately designed in this manner, and as such, it has required little in the way of alteration over 150 years. Over time, the steam-powered engine was superseded with later technology, but the barn has no doubt functioned as fodder storage for the livestock still housed within the ranges.

In recent years, activity on the farm has declined. The ranges have evidently not been used for some time and this is obvious from the lack of doors or windows on the courtyard side of the complex. The main barn, however, has been used as a storage area by the present owner of the cottage, whilst the room to the west of the barn, and the engine-house have been utilised as both garages and storage space.