Update on the ruined cottage at Barley

[Maggie.]

A few weeks ago BarbaraH started a very interesting thread on the discovery of an old cottage in Barley that had received a lot of media coverage, see here for Barbara's thread:-

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0jeb/

This morning a group from our Local History Group went to view the site together with the archaeologist who has been involved in the dig.  It was interesting to hear his views and I have taken quite a few photographs, but I don't want to hijack Barbara's thread, hence this new one.

The cottage, although known about, had been almost completely covered in turf, but has now been thoroughly excavated, documented and photographed.  It was re-discovered prior to proposed construction works on the nearby reservoir and as the cottage lies in the path of what will shortly become an improved anti-flooding run-off area it is about to be demolished and the area levelled and grassed.  United Utilities are anxious that the demolition work be completed before Good Friday so as to avoid the real threat of it becoming some sort of occultist's shrine to the Pendle Witches.

Absolutely nothing that we heard this morning supports the idea that it could have been a witches hideout.

This first photo is of the back of the house and gives an idea of it's position.

Maggie

[Maggie.]

This is a Victorian range set inside what was once an inglenook fireplace.  The 2nd pic. shows a chamfered stone, which was part of the inglenook.

A lot of the stones and window mullions regrettably have been pilfered off the site and I suppose now they are being incorporated into the renovations of various old barns and houses nearby 

[Maggie.]

The house is 17th century and when built would have been substantial and quite prosperous.  Various alterations have been done over the centuries - new doorways made etc; and there is evidence that the property fell into decline during the 19th century, most probably due to the change from spinning and weaving in the home to a factory based system and a movement away from the countryside into the industrial towns.

It is impossible to identify the house from census records as there are many farms dotted around the area all of which are referred to as 'Overhouses'. 

More pics to follow later ...... if of interest.

Maggie

[Lydart]

Please do !     So is there any evidence it was used for spinning/weaving ?    If apparently 'quite prosperous' might it have been owned by the owner of  a mill ?


And what are 'overhouses' ??

[Maggie.]

More likely a yeoman farmer, Lydart, and would pre-date the mills.  Spinning would be done by Mum and her small children whilst Dad did the weaving, perhaps in the upstairs rooms as it had an upper storey.  No direct evidence for this, in fact no objects relating to the 17th century have been found.  The only stuff found is Victorian bits of pot and bottles, also some more recent items of footwear.  There could be midden heaps around that would contain stuff but these have not been found.

[Lydart]

I like excavating middens !   And medieval cess-pits are an archaeologists dream come true !

[Ruskie]

Yes, more photos please!!!

I've not heard of an 'Overhouse' either. Is it one which has the animals living downstairs and the humans upstairs?  

Still, I think it's sad to see these 'ruins' demolished.   I'd love to excavate a midden ... or anything really ...

[Maggie.]

I've just been called away   

Back soon with photos and I'll answer you then Ruskie   

[Ruskie]

Thanks Maggie. No hurry, I'm signing off soon.