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Summary

Farmhouse rebuilt in 1805. Two jointed crucks survive and the base of a medieval granite cross shaft has been built into the corner of the rear wall. The name apparently derives from Grendel's Pit, mentioned in a boundary document of c.AD1000.

Location

Protected Status

• Listed Building (II) 1216453: PITT FARMHOUSE AT SX 870 946

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX89SE/21
• Old Listed Building Ref (II)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FARMHOUSE (Built, XV to XIX - 1401 AD (Between) to 1805 AD)

Full description

Gover, J. E. B. + Mawer, A. + Stenton, F. M., 1932, The Place-Names of Devon: Part Two, 459 (Monograph). SDV337894.

Pitt Farm is recorded in 1733.

Braddick, L. E., 1962, Whitestone and Oldridge, 346-9 (Article in Serial). SDV294377.

Pitt farm, Churchtown. Originally called Barnhayes. Owned in 1632 by Thomas Bowden. Rebuilt in 1805, it is an example of early king-post construction with the pillars mounted on large corner stones. The wall-plates are under the tie beam with the king-post amongst the bedrooms into which the roof space has been divided. Part of the end wall is filled with wattle and daub.

Finberg, H. P. R., 1968, Some Crediton documents re-examined with some observations on the criticism of Anglo-Saxon charters, 71 (Article in Serial). SDV38145.

The name derives from Grendel's Pit mentioned in a document of about AD1000 delineating bounds of 'Creedy-Land'.

Alcock, N. W., 1981, Cruck Construction: An Introduction and Catalogue, 112 (Report - non-specific). SDV342504.

Jointed cruck recorded.

Pamment, J., 1986, Parish Survey of Whitestone and Oldridge, 118 (Report - Survey). SDV295504.

King-post construction noted. Also visible was a jointed cruck. Medieval features.

Department of Environment, 1986, Whitestone, 99 (List of Blds of Arch or Historic Interest). SDV346823.

Pitt Farmhouse. Circa late 16th century or earlier origins. Colourwashed rendered cob on stone rubble footings. Thatched roof. The present plan is single-depth, 2 rooms wide with a through passage at the right end. Early plan may have been a late medieval open hall house. Two storeys. The hall has a roughly chamfered cross beam and a fireplace with a plain oak lintel and a bread oven. Brick screen wall between the hall and passage. Partly reconstructed winder stair. Two jointed crucks survive with cambered collars. The base of a medieval granite cross shaft has been built into the corner of the rear wall. The owner claims to have discovered the original hearthstone in centre of floor.

Ordnance Survey, 2025, Mastermap 2025 (Cartographic). SDV366286.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

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