Northolt Barn
The barn once Grade II listed, faced being demolished at its original location on a farm in Northolt, Middlesex. The Museum intervened to relocate the barn as it had become surrounded by contemporary housing developments, rendering it isolated from the rest of Smiths Farm. Frequent vandalism, including three instances of arson, had targeted the barn. Despite being a Listed Building with all possible preservation measures in place, concerns arose that it would not withstand another attack if left in its original position.
History of the Northolt Barn
Originally thought to serve as a hay barn, storing fodder for the London market, the barn bears an inscribed date of 1595 on the left-hand door post. In 1989, a visitor donated a rubbing of this date and the initials "GR," suggesting a possible connection to George Rourne, a Northolt builder at the time, although evidence supporting this theory is lacking.
The central bay, featuring the entrance, indicates no rear doorway, likely reflecting the barn's use solely for hay storage rather than threshing.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Northolt's vicinity to London made it a key hay-growing area, possibly explaining the barn's original purpose and lack of cladding for hay ventilation.
The building of the Barn
Northolt Barn is an oak-framed structure resting on a brick plinth with three bays.
Characterised by jowled truss posts, mid-bay intermediate posts, and sturdy middle rails with studs extending from top to bottom, each bay includes a pair of diagonal braces at the top. The roof trusses feature vertical Queen Struts supporting a collar, which, in turn, supports the clasped purlins. Wind braces are present in each roof bay.
Due to fire damage, approximately 20% of the timbers had to be sandblasted, while one strut on the right-hand gable end retains its charred condition.
The building is currently clad with elm feather-edged boarding, and the roof is covered with clay peg tiles. The brick plinth incorporates bricks from the original site, although they may not be of the same age as the frame
The use of the Northolt Barn
Within Northolt Barn, visitors have the opportunity to engage in assembling a model building, gaining insights into various construction types and joints. The barn serves as a versatile space for Experience Days and events, providing an interactive environment for learning and exploration.
Check our calendar to discover upcoming activities at the museum. Our Northolt Barn is also used for Private Venue hire, filming and weddings