FINALLY!!!
The famous façade, what is today the front main elevation. It is not the oldest part of the building however, that is the hall at the back. It is a hidden gem tucked away in the countryside.
I don’t know why, but it has taken me decades to visit this amazing property! Along with Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland, it is one of the most photographed and iconic buildings in the UK. It is one of those buildings that you put on your bucket list to visit. And I finally did it!
I also learned a new British phrase- busman’s holiday. Quite a lovely saying too. It means a holiday or vacation that involves the same activities one does whilst at work. So, what else is a heritage specialist to do on holiday but visit historic properties?!
Internal courtyard and part of the earlier section of the building.
Little Moreton Hall is a moated former hall house that dates from the 15th century and was in the same family ownership for much of that time. During its last two hundred years the building was leased out to tenant farmers in the area. In 1937 the Hall was offered to the National Trust.
It is an incredibly photographable building and if you get your eye in, you will see things like areas that need repair, areas that have been repaired, incredibly wonkiness, changes in plan form and lost sections of building, etc. In fact, it would make a great case study (if it isn't already) for students in architecture, conservation, heritage, etc. to look at and try to understand its layout, evolution, changes, construction, etc. The more you look at something, the more you find. Unfortunately, it tends to raise more questions than answers and without a time machine we will never truly know and understand the building or the people who were involved with it.
Some of the wall paintings, which are amazing on their own.
The National Trust have done an immense amount of research on the building, which is vital to understanding it. Many question how it is still standing today. Those of us in the business understand that wonky does not necessarily mean falling down. In many cases the building was built using green timbers and over the years the timbers contracted and moved. Carpenters expected this to happen. For example, it ensured the pegs at joints would get tighter. Every building settles, it is just that these building settled a bit more.
That movement is therefore historic and is usually not a sign of structural failure or concern. In my opinion it is part of the charm and character of a historic building and one of the reasons people are drawn to them. Who needs (or wants) a level floor or a straight wall anyway!?
Obvious timber frame repairs traditionally done and rear of original hall.
It is interesting though that this building is so iconic. There are many buildings in the country that are older, have mediaeval wall paintings, are even more wonky, etc. But this building just stands out due to its size and exemplar timber frame detailing. I question whether the timber frame would have/should have been on display in the first place. There is a theory that the timber frame of a building was never meant to be seen. That it would have been covered by lime plaster and render. That exposing the frame to the elements would hasten its decay.
Who needs level floors or walls?
In the case of Little Moreton Hall however, the detailing and intricate design of the timbers surely would have been intended to be seen. Is it based on the craftsmanship of the design as to whether it would have been seen or not. More likely it was the fact that this was a status building and the family was making their wealth known to all. In the villages around South Cambridgeshire and East Anglia there are many timber framed houses. Many of which are covered in render. However, examples in Saffron Walden or Thaxted or even Lavenham, much of the timber framing is exposed. Is it a case of taste and style?
Evidence of screen's passage and door.
Substantial chimney with diaper brickwork, chimney stack looks to be leaning a bit possibly due to its height.
Coved jetty and more timber frame repairs and decorative carvings.
Historic garderobe (loo).
Carver's marks for knowing which piece of frame went where.
Brick buttresses built to help stabilise the structure.
The long gallery, whose end gable is being held up by the buttresses, internally there are structural ties helping to prevent spread as well, note timber frame detailing along ceiling.
Exposed timber frame -decorative trend versus render and preserving the timber framing and structure of the building. Which way do you lean (pun intended)?
This is similar to the argument over whether or not the ridge on a thatched roof should be decorative or plain. What was more traditional?? That is for another blog post I think!
Comments