Day 71. The Dutch Barn

A Dutch Barn on Park Farm.

The barn had generally become obsolete for harvest after the 18^th century (see Day 70) but in the late 19^th century, the Dutch Barn became a common feature on farms. This domed-roofed, iron-framed structure with open sides, up to ten bays long, was used as an alternative to rick-building. They offered immediate protection from rain and saved the need for  waterproof thatching, but were more accessible and easier to use than the traditional barn. They were used mainly for hay and straw, and less commonly for sheaves of corn.

Many are still present on farms, and still used for their original purpose.

                A Dutch Barn filled with hay, c.1930s.