Monument Type(s):

• GRANARY (17th century - 1600 AD to 1699 AD)
• MALT HOUSE (17th century to Mid 19th century - 1600 AD to 1842 AD) + Sci.Date
• WATERMILL? (17th century - 1600 AD? to 1699 AD)
• BARN (Mid 19th century to 20th century (post-war) - 1842 AD to 1999 AD)

Summary

The probable site of a 17th century former water mill and granary, subsequently a 19th century malt house, which is protected by Grade II* Listing.

Related records

Associated Finds: None recorded

Associated Events

• ESA1204 - 1978-1979 Survey and Excavations at Madeley Court by Bob Meeson for TDC
• ESA5675 - 1991 evaluation of Madeley Court Barn prior to major building work by IGMT
• ESA6358 - 1979-80 Site visit at Madley Court by Salford University Student
• ESA6374 - 1991 building survey at Madley Court Barn by Fred Aldsworth

Description

Unique and tantalising architectural monument in a dangerous state of decay and partial collapse when examined in the 1978-1979 survey. It may have functioned as a water-driven corn mill, with storage facilities of enormous volume on the top floor. At the end of its life it served as a general agricultural barn, but there are domestic characteristics, including mullioned windows and a fireplace. It is possible that for at least part of its life the building may have served a significant industrial function. It may be of 16th century origin. The ground floor was originally open and has been subdivided, with further wings added to the south side. The central third of the south wall is timber-framed. It is possible that this arrangement was devised to allow for a very wide entrance to the ground floor, without a heavy brick wall above <2>

Circa C17 former water mill. Built by Sir Basil Brooke of Madeley Court. Red brick with stone dressings, stone quoins, mullion windows and lintels. Two-storeys, about 5 bays. Three 2-light windows to first floor loft above various ground floor openings. Steeply pitched gable ended roof clad in corrugated iron, the centre part of roof has collapsed. Ashlar and brick gabled. Wings at rear. The mill pool has been covered by the large spoil tip to the south-west. 230 LB desc, (SMR), DOE, (1983), 19th LIST, p178 <3>

An evaluation of the site took place in 1991. The building seems to have been first constructed as a granary in the early 1600s. During this period it was owned by Sir Basil Brooke, a prominent industrialist known for experiments in steelmaking. Although some ferrous debris was discovered during the evaluation, it was not possible to establish whether this represented contemporary ironworking. Despite historical descriptions of mills along the Washbrook, and the evidence of the Tithe apportionment (which describes the building as an old mill), no archaeological evidence for the use of the building as a mill was found. However, the presence of a pool in 1847 does suggest that this is possible. Clearly the building was used for malting in the mid 19th century; a Madeley maltster, William Dyas, who was in occupation in 1847, may be linked to several in situ maltings features found during the evaluation. The purpose of a steam engine and boiler (possibly of early 20th century date), of which remains were also found, remains obscure. <4>

Corn Mill <6>

Described briefly in a student report in 1979-1980, investigating the problems involved in the repair and conservation of country houses. At this time, Madeley Court Barn was in a decaying condition. The first floor construction is described as extremely unusual - split oak pailings are nailed over floor joists, finished with a lime mortar screed. The building had siffered with vandalism. <9>

The building recording [ESA6374] along with the excavation of the site [<4>] in 1991 demonstrated that the structure was originally constructed as a purpose built maltings, at the very beginning of the 17th century on a T-shaped plan. Dendrochronological dating suggest a date of construction after 1595 and most likely in the period 1606-1636. No evidence was found for use of the site as an iron workings or a water mill. The maltings appear to have continued in use into the first half of the C19th century, but this function seems to have ceased before 1847. By 1882 a steam engine had been installed and the structure was converted to use as an agricultural barn.->

-> Dendro-dated to a date range of 1606-1635. Sample was collected from the primary phase, first floor, transverse beam. <10>

Brewhouse dendro date (beam) 1607-41.<11>

Sources

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.