Building record 1492/1 - Beech Farmhouse

Grade II listed farmhouse with 15th /16th century origins. It had major alterations in the earlier 17th century with 19th and 20th century restoration. It has restored timber framing on a stone plinth, with rendered brick to the sides and rear and a slate roof. Inside are three pairs of full crucks and some original timber framing and wattle and daub in the partition walls. Crucks beams are used in timber framing. Two curved timbers are cut from the same tree and used to support a roof from floor to apex. 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 create 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.