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Summary

Historic farmstead documented in late 19th century and perhaps earlier, but lost by the late 20th century when it was replaced by Speenhamland Court housing development

Monument Type(s):

• FARMSTEAD (Late 19th century - 1880 AD (pre) to 1880 AD (pre))

Full Description

This farm is recorded on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map <1> as noted during a 2005 survey of West Berkshire's historic farmsteads <2>. Speenhamland was an urban area along the London to Bath Road to the north of Newbury, but within the large parish of Speen, and the farmstead was on the northeast side of the historic settlement. The farmyard was a regular courtyard plan, with a probable large barn on the north side, and a pound attached to buildings on the south side. This layout largely survived until the late 20th century <3>, although probably not in agricultural use; on the 1:1250 scale 6th Epoch Ordnance Survey of 1977 <4>, the likely barn remains but is labelled as a transport depot. There may still have been a farmhouse or pair of farm cottages on the south side of the yard at this time.

Several planning applications from 1979 to 1985 sought to redevelop the site for Council housing, with a variety of layouts and densities being considered <5>. The site was considered to be in a dilapidated condition, although little information was given about the extant buildings. By the time of the 1:1250 scale 7th Epoch Ordnance Survey of 1989, all elements of the former farm had been replaced by a large residential block called Speenhamland Court <6>. This design follows the layout approved in a planning application of 1985 <7>.

The origins of Speenhamland Farm might have gone back to the 18th century; a long thin outbuilding is drawn on the Speen Manor map of 1729 in an area which could be part of the farm <8>. Willis' 1768 inset map of Newbury and Speenhamland <9> might also depict the large barn and another building, but not the whole courtyard.

Sources and further reading

Related Monuments

Associated Excavations and Fieldwork

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