Monument record 15192 - Site of Lea Farm (Barns still extant), Lea Newbold

<1> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

A group of three buildings are shown to the north-east of Lea Hall Moat (CHER 1800/1) on the Tithe Map of circa 1839. These buildings include a distinctive L-shaped building, comprising two barns, also two smaller buildings to the south, one of which looks like an animal sty/pen. Plot 61 is recorded as being owned by Joseph White, occupied by Elizabeth Tilston, and described as a 'Homestead' comprising 2 acres, 1 rood and 10 perches. Several surrounding fields are also recorded as being owned by Joseph White with Elizabeth Tilston as occupier.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire (Maps and Plans). SCH2462.

The three buildings of the homestead again appear to be depicted on OS first edition mapping, including the distinctive L-shaped barn. The potential animal sty/pen has now developed into a group of sties/pens. Two further, large buildings also appear - what appears to be a farmhouse immediately to the west of the barns, also another building to the east of the barns. The complex of buildings is now titled 'Lea Farm'.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1896-1898, Ordnance Survey First Revision County Series (Epoch 2) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire (Maps and Plans). SCH3848.

The farm is similarly depicted on the OS second edition map, with the exception of one of the buildings to the south of the L-shaped barn has disappeared (the animal pens still appear), but another large building is now depicted to east of the barns.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1909-1912, Ordnance Survey Second Revision County Series (Epoch 3) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire (Maps and Plans). SCH4361.

The farm complex remains unchanged on the OS third edition map.

<5> Tecwyn Williams Architect, 2018, Building Record Survey: Lea Mosses Farm, Lea Lane, Aldford, Chester, CH3 6JQ, R4449 (Client Report). SCH8911.

In 2018, a building survey was undertaken, for the two barns, in L-shape pattern, at the former Lea Farm; the remainder of the farm buildings are no longer extant. The barns are neither locally, nor nationally, listed. A recent plan, predominantly focused on trees and hedgerows, shows the barns and the demolished buildings, with the name - 'Lea Mosses'.

The different styles of vernacular architecture suggests the two 'wings' of the L-shaped building were built at different times, although it is apparent that both were designed and built for agricultural purposes. They appear on the Tithe map as two separate buildings, linked together with what appears to be a covered thoroughfare. The buildings form an L-shape with the northern wing linked on the western gable to a substantial building, now demolished.

It appears that the northern wing of the L-shaped building was built first, incorporating a moderate amount of architectural detail in particular around the arched doorways and first floor windows/hatches. It has more of a traditional vernacular appearance and layout to accommodate farm equipement with a hayloft over. The southern wing is a more modest building having flat arch concrete lintels, sliding doors and metal-framed windows. There is a dentil course at eaves level and some ventilation slots to the east elevation. This building was linked to the northern wing by a covered thoroughfare which has since been bricked up at both ends. It appears to have been built to accommodate a milking parlour with associated dairy rooms, again with loft space above.