Day 74. The Farmyard

Cattle housed in the yard at Park Farm, 1980s. It has been used continuously for its intended purpose for over four centuries.

The farmyard was the central point of the farmstead, and was surrounded by various farm buildings. The early farmhouses were built adjacent to the yard. The farmer couldn't afford to be too far from his livestock or grain at any time. Park Farm, built in the 17^th century, is an example (see Day 73). From the 18^th century, farmhouses were built apart from their buildings, thanks to increasing prosperity. Farmers could now afford liberal labour, and had the time and money to indulge in gentlemanly pursuits such as fox-hunting and reading. It was no longer necessary nor believed appropriate to live entirely on-site.

The barn was typically on the north of the yard, or against the prevailing winds, to give shelter to the livestock. Cowsheds and shelter sheds – open-fronted sheds for wintering livestock  – were usually on the west as discussed yesterday. The house and other buildings were arranged round the other sides. The yards today are often much lower than the surrounding farm buildings – centuries of trampling livestock and the annual removal of muck has lowered the ground level.

Water supply was an important concern. Many yards had deep wells sunk outside their walls, with a pump to draw water into a trough. A stone trough at Park Farm was filled from the soft-water well outside the house.

19^th century shelter sheds, with mangers and hayracks. They face east to maximise exposure to the sun. The brick pillars were rounded to prevent injury to livestock.

A 20^th century shelter shed. Its value in winter is clearly appreciated!