Update on the ruined cottage at Barley

[Maggie.]

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 ...

Animals living downstairs ..... now there's a thought.  I can just see them all sleeping peacefully around the inglenook fireplace 

Demolition is sad - had any interesting artifacts been discovered then steps would have been taken to preserve it but as it is, at least it has been well documented.  You would not believe it but apparently there was a very interesting stone trough in the kitchen area that was unique.  It was immediately and fortunately photographed after discovery but stolen the next day.

[Maggie.]

Two more .................

These show splendid worked door jambs complete with mason's marks.  Not exactly what your average 17th century witch was used to 

[Maggie.]

Thought I had better post one with Pendle Hill on it 

And do stop me if I'm getting boring ...... but I haven't shown you the bread ovens yet.

Maggie

[andrewalston]

"Over Houses" is just the name for the group of houses on the current map and earlier ones.

In some censuses they get written in the left column as "Upper Houses".

[Lydart]

Keep going Maggie ...

[mosiefish]

I am really enjoying these photos.  Keep `em coming Maggie 

[Maggie.]

There are 4 rooms, obviously 'upstairs' is no longer there - in the room at the back of the inglenook room there are 2 bread ovens.  This is one of them.

[Maggie.]

And in the adjacent corner is the other, complete with loaf of bread.  I think that had been placed there for the benefit of recent visiting schoolchildren.  There is some speculation as to whether the residents may have at one time operated as a small bakery.

[Lydart]

That's supper for the Pendle witches !!