Site Event/Activity record ECH6368 - Survey of Barn at Morphany Cottage, Preston On The Hill: Summary Report, An Historic Building Survey

Historic building survey undertaken in March 2017 in support of a planning application proposing the demolition of a disused barn to the rear of Morphany Cottage, Preston On The Hill, near Warrington. At the time of survey the building was in a state of disrepair and partial demolition. The barn is thought to date from the early 19th century and is depicted on the Preston On The Hill Tithe Map of circa 1845. The period 1750-1880 has been recognised, by Historic England, as the most important period of farm building development in England. The assessment comprised a desk-based study and a site visit to survey and photograph the building, however, due to its poor state of repair, only a limited survey of the interior could be undertaken. A danger notice had been applied to the building and, as a result, the entire upper floor had been demolished down to the joists of the first floor. A significant amount of debris filled much of the interior of the building making access more difficult. The building was divided into three separate rooms and was almost certainly designed in a combination arrangement. These rooms appear to have been used as a milking parlour, cow house and a stable. Also, attached as an annex to the barn, are the remains of a double pigsty.