PRN 36469 Prior to demolition works that preceded the construction of five residential properties at Manor Farm, High Street, Colsterworth, a program of building recording and an archaeological watching brief was then undertaken during preliminary construction works. The archaeological watching brief did not expose any significant archaeological deposits, possibly because much of the site had been truncated during the construction of the 19th century barn complex. {1} {2} The standing building record confirmed that the surveyed range represented the out-buildings and barn associated with a mixed agriculture farm. The building range was aligned with the longest wall running approximately north to south, and comprised of a two storey, rectangular barn to the south, with a long range of smaller buildings extending to the north (forming a reversed L-shape). This range was of one build, comprising roughly hewn limestone blocks bonded with a light yellow lime mortar. Stylistically (and based on a 1853 date-stone on Manor Farm) the whole of the range can be dated to the mid 19th century. The barn had a south facing doorway, which is approached by an earth causeway revetted by a drystone wall. The original (presumably timber) lintel from this doorway had been replaced with one of concrete, necessitating considerable rebuilding of the wall to the east. Opposite this doorway was a second smaller doorway that had been blocked with modern breezeblocks. The timber lintel for this doorway survived; on its southern face was a carpenters mark flanked by two peg holes. This timber had clearly been reused, probably from and earlier building. This arrangement of opposing doors is characteristic of a threshing barn. A number of other (and later) doors were present; one possibly used for the loading and unloading of wagons and carts, the others as passage or connecting doors. Three cupboards were set into the internal walls; those on the north wall defined by bricks with timber lintels, one on the south constructed entirely with large flat limestone slabs. Four splay windows were present, two in each of the long walls. The windows had timber lintels to the interior and limestone to the exterior (all but the south eastern window had been blocked in with modern concrete). To the immediate north of the barn was a two storey and (originally) open sided room. The lower part of the western wall to this room was made up of four pillars, constructed using bull-nosed brick instead of limestone. Brick walls later filled the openings between these pillars. The room had formerly been divided into an upper and lower chamber; four beams ran east to west from the top of the pillars to the opposite wall. These beams each had twelve mortises, which would have held north to south joists supporting a floor. One of the beams had decorative beading carved into its two lower corners, indicating that it was reused and may have come from a domestic source. Four windows were present in the upper storey of this room; those in the west wall were glazed while the eastern windows were closed with wooden slats. The walls above the upper floor level were rendered, and this may indicate that the upper storey was originally for accommodation. However, the use of slatted windows is a common feature of granaries, which along with its elevated position away from moisture may indicate that this was the real function of this upper space. A doorway was found in the northeast corner, and scars on the eastern wall indicate that this was a secondary opening. This doorway leads to another room, which also had its western wall open supported by a pillar of bull-nosed bricks. Once again, the openings were blocked in with brick. A timber floor set on beams and rafters (similar to those of the first room) divided an upper and lower storey, and a modern staircase had been inserted through this floor. No windows or other features were present as part of the original ground floor layout. Due to access restrictions, rooms further north could only be observed from the outside of the structure. However, one of the rooms was clearly identified as a stable, complete with a stable (two segment) door on the western side. To the north of this on the eastern side of the building was a wooden door with an ornate handle and lock-plate and a carved stone lintel. Opposite this on the western side was a wooden door flanked by two partially glazed windows. The decorative nature of the eastern doorway and the presence of glazing may indicate that this room was designed for habitation. The northernmost room of the building had a single doorway and a small glazed window. Prior to demolition, it was in use as a workshop, and this may have been its original function. However, it could equally have served as accommodation for stock, or as a store {1} {2} Unnamed farmstead (Manor Farm), Colsterworth. Partially extant 19th century farmstead. Loose courtyard with three sides of the courtyard formed by working agricultural buildings. The farmhouse is attached to a range of working buildings. There has been a partial loss (less than 50%) of traditional buildings. Located within or in association with a village. {3}