Tyland Barn Project
by Andrew Proctor
The newest museum in Kent, The Cobtree Museum of Kent Rural Life, in conjunction with the Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council, has initiated an intensive survey of an 18th-century barn at Tyland Farm, Sandling, near Maidstone. The barn has been selected to become one of the principal buildings in the new museum complex being formed at the Cobtree site. It is proposed to dismantle and remove the structure this summer and in due course, it will probably be rebuilt as an exhibition hall for housing agricultural equipment.
Archaeological Background
With the interests of farm architecture, local history, and archaeology in mind, the opportunity has been taken to carry out a full investigation of the present condition and past history of the building with special interest in its constructional details. The survey is using standard archaeological methods and techniques throughout to produce an exact and highly detailed architectural record.
Tyland Barn from the east, showing the wagon entrance.
Local History
As a general type, the building may be described as an aisled five-bay threshing barn with a queen strut, collar, and tiebeam rafter roof with all its major timbers assembled in the "normal" manner. There exists considerable evidence for the reuse of older and secondary timbers from other buildings, many of which reveal a variety of carpenters' marks and disused joints. It is also apparent that there have been several phases of random and patchy repairs to the fabric. As yet, there is not enough evidence to give a reasonably precise date, but it is believed that an 18th-century date is most likely. In a later period during the mid-19th century, a major extension was made to the barn adding a further seven meters and a new loft, giving the building its lengthy appearance.
Farm Buildings
The survey proper ended in July, but research will continue all year. Any information or comments from members who have knowledge of similar barns of the 17th-19th centuries in their local area would be most welcome and gratefully received. All correspondence should be sent to Andrew Proctor.
It is hoped that the Cobtree Museum of Kent Rural Life will be partially opened to the public later this year.
