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The Old Laundry
The barn which is now called 'The Old
Laundry' was originally built in the 18th century, not as old as Sturston
Hall itself, but older than
the barns next door which were built in the mid 19th Century. The original
uses of the barn are unknown but there is evidence that the barn was used
as a laundry to Sturston Hall. During conversion original floors, beams
and stonework were all retained. In the present kitchen the boiler heated
by an oven underneath is still in the original position. The original
stone sink is now outside the back of Sturston Hall and still in use.
In the 19th Century the eating area of
the present kitchen was used as pig stys. The original food troughs remain
in the walls. The hall and downstairs bathroom were used as stabling for
horses and cattle. Our pony shared the stable with chickens for several
years. The wooden mounted wall mangers were removed during the renovation.
The downstairs bedroom was an open cart shed and later a tractor shed. In
the floor was a deep inspection pit used by the Allen boys to repair the
tractors. Most recently it was used by our daughter Flora as winter
housing for her pet rabbits.
Upstairs was most probably
accommodation for farm workers. However, the Allen family used the front
upstairs room as a pigeon loft. Remains of caging and travelling baskets
were found when we were clearing the barn. The roof was in poor repair and
therefore was home to owls, and in the summer swallows and butterflies.
The murals on the walls reflect the previous occupants
Outside in the log store, under the
stone steps, was once a dog kennel. The last dog's chain was still
attached inside. |
