Building record 207/0/4 - Elder and Barn Cottages, Smithy Lane

Grade II listed pair of houses, probably dividing an earlier farmhouse. Built in the 17th century they are timber framed with washed brick infill. It is a long two-storey building with uneven small framing on a tall plinth. Wood was in plentiful supply as a building material in Britain until the 17th century. It was therefore the most practical material for house building. Timber framed buildings consist of a wooden framework (usually oak) that was infilled to created solid walls. Infill material used included wattle and daub, lath and plaster, brick and weather board. Brick nogging, (brick infill) was often used in the 17th and 18th centuries to replace earlier wattle and daub or lath and plaster infill as it was longer lasting.