In addition to the manor house itself, the East Riddlesden site holds two huge barns. The Great Barn is one of the finest in the north of England, built in the 1600s and testament to the importance of the estate as an agricultural concern. Its oak roof rises from aisle posts and covers an area 120 feet long by 40 feet wide. There are two sets of cart entrances, big enough to allow a pair of oxen pulling a fully loaded wagon to enter the barn. They still have their original doors and, between them, stone flagged floors where grain would have been threshed. You can see the stalls where cattle would have been kept in the winter, as well as a selection of old carts and ploughs.
The adjacent Airedale Barn has been restored and is now used for weddings and events.
Standing among all the ancient timber and stone, I always find a surprising sense of peace. I like to think it takes me back to my roots, as many of my ancestors were agricultural workers and would have been familiar with these kinds of structures.
I love the vehicles tucked into the corners, I remember the first time I visited and as my eyes adjusted to the gloom how delighted we all were at discovering them :)
ReplyDeleteThose rough-hewn timbers are so astonishing to me, having been constructed with hand tools only, and a lot of muscle of men. For their strength, for their knowledge of the wood, this structure pays homage.
ReplyDeleteThose beams are amazing! Great hand work, and I wonder how they hoisted them into place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous structure.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a wonderful barn. Re peaceful--I used to sit and meditate a while in one of our barns. It's nothing like this but it was built on a log base and well used. I would sit on the milking stool with my back against one of the log's butt-ends and feel a great sense of peace and connection with those who'd used the barn before me.
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