Treasures in the barnyard

DILAPIDATED outbuildings in the Welsh countryside may be hiding architectural treasures beneath their faded exteriors, experts have warned. . .

The situation has been highlighted by a series of amazing discoveries, including that made by Anthony and Helen Rose who bought a farm four years ago. They assumed the ramshackle building on one side of the yard was just a run-of-the-mill barn.

But when a local architect looked inside he was astonished to find he was looking at a 15th-century hall house. . .

Architects are convinced there are other historic buildings waiting to be discovered beneath rusting corrugated sheets.

But those important buildings are being neglected by owners who are unaware of their significance, experts fear.

Farming has changed so much in the last 50 years that barns which were carefully maintained for centuries are now surplus to requirements.

ADDENDUM: More on the story, with pictures, at the BBC.

Posted by David on October 2, 2006 9:26 AM