A look at the history of Town Head Barn, Malham, with Dr Emma Wells

Weathered stone walls and a heavy slate roof give Town Head Barn the typical appearance of structures which were once a familiar sight across the upland farms of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where practical architecture developed in direct response to the needs of rural communities.

Built in the 18th century, Town Head Barn represents the traditional field barn typical of the farming landscape of Malhamdale. Farmers constructed such vernacular buildings, most notably from locally quarried limestone. The barn’s thick rubble-stone walls and stone slate roof were practical solutions designed to withstand the inclement weather of the harsh winters common in this exposed upland region.

Architecturally, it comprises a large former threshing barn, with a granary later added on the upper level above a stable, shippon, meal store, and cart shed. There are large opposing doorways which allowed carts loaded with hay to pass through, enabling farmers to store fodder efficiently after the summer harvest. Above the ground level, hay could be stacked and dried, while the lower areas thus provided shelter for livestock during the colder months. Inside, the open interior space is supported by a simple timber roof frame, demonstrating traditional construction methods used by local craftsmen.

During summer, farmers cut hay from the surrounding meadows to create winter feed for sheep and cattle. Once dried, the hay was transported to such field barns, ensuring that animals could be sustained through the long winter when grazing was scarce. These barns were therefore scattered across the landscape close to the fields they served, reducing the need to transport heavy loads over long distances.

The barn entered a new phase of its history when it was acquired and restored by the National Trust in 1997. Rather than altering the structure significantly, the restoration focused on preserving its historic character. Today, the barn functions as a small interpretive site where visitors can learn about traditional farming practices and the rural heritage of the area.

Address: Cove Rd, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DJ, United Kingdom

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