Vernacular architecture, Gisburn

The group initially toured both sides of the main road. There are several 17th/18th century houses which conceal intricate old plasterwork, fine fireplaces, hidden mullion windows behind modern facades, and not least, old wall paintings. In addition there is the very large Thomas Lister house dated 1635 with its three-storey porch and stone plaque and, on the other side of the road, another very large two- and three-storey 17th century white house with moulded mullions and gable fire-windows. The history of this latter building is unknown. The main street has many substantial 18th and 19th century properties along it, with interesting decorative features such as ‘polite’ door hoods and a variety of window surrounds. The row of houses near the roundabout marked with letter R and a crown refer to the Ribblesdale estate.

We were most kindly allowed into a former 17th century house with very unusual wall paintings which are puzzling and worthy of further consideration. We inspected the very ornate 18th century gothic gatehouses of Gisburne Park, now a hospital, and the railway tunnel portals very nearby. Nearby is the Dower House of the Ribblesdale estate. 17th century windows indicate an altered older property.

We proceeded to Gisburn Cotes Hall, an imposing 17th century house with another large front porch of two storeys and other interesting architectural features such as corner hood moulds. The barns at this farm and also two other farms nearby all have 18th century roof structures with re-used timbers showing signs of being previously parts of cruck-built structures. A heavy stone cheese press (weight and base - but minus its timber frame) sat outside one of the barns, no longer used!

This was a most interesting trip, made so by Kevin’s careful preparation in advance, and full of surprises. Kevin has written a substantial account of this outing with pictures which will appear in next year’s Journal.