Help trying to date various features

[agbagb]

Hi Folks, It's a while since I was last here but I think I'm going to be around a lot more. We've recently bought a propery in Whitby and are planing the renovation, restoration, conservation of it. It has so many layers of history its going to need a lot of thought before make a real start on it.

One of the first things we're try to establish is how old it is and when various changes where made. I've sketched the basics of the structure:

The main pointer (we think) to the original constuction is the old timber roof structure, "A" frame on the left.

We've got stacks of books from the library, we will be doing some digging in local achives but with it being such a lowely property any information seems vauge.

Has anyone got any ideas?

Thanks
Andy

PS. I've put up a webpage with more pictures and info.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Welcome back Andy and thanks for posting your wonderful sketch - it certainly looks a lovely house. Please put a link to your website so we can see pics.

I can't do any more than guess, but just from the sketch I'd say it was early 18th C, based on concealed staircases and classical looking fireplace. Is the front door a later addition? Is the exterior rubble stone? It could well be earlier. Gareth Hughes will know. The devil's in the detail with these things, did roof structure change all that much over centuries? I just don't know how helpful the A frame is, sorry.

 

[agbagb]

Thanks, It's good to be back.

The web page is here.

The roof has changed we think, when the first floor was added and again when the course of brick work was added.
This picture shows a course of smaller stones above the door and lower window and then the brick course under the guttering.

The first floor fieplace could be Victorian, we haven't worked out yet if the chimney stack is original. on the ground floor its looking like the earliest incarnation was an inglenook with possibly a brick smoke hood?


Cheers
Andy

 

[Feltwell]

Whitby eh? I hope you're into all things Goth then!

I'm sorry, I can't be much help with dating but wanted to post to say what a great sketch you've done there. Is illustrating a profession for you or just a hobby? That drawing is very good.

 

[agbagb]

Only a little Goth, but the daughter is vampire mad so it looks like we'll be there for the Goth weekends.

Cheers, I do still get a few illustration jobs from time to time. Drawing and painting would be a hobby if I had the time, last chance I had was on holiday a couple of years back.

Andy

 

[Flyfisher]

I'm sorry, I can't be much help with dating but wanted to post to say what a great sketch you've done there.

Yes, I'd like to echo that. I realise envy is a sin but I've always wished I could draw like that. Lovely!

 

[Feltwell]

Me too FF. Technical drawing I can do, but if it's anything arty then forget it

Nice place Andy, and Whitby is a lovely town, you're very lucky.

Anyone who's wondering why the "Goth" comment - Whitby is very popular with Goths, it has lots of "head shops" and hosts a big bi-annual Goth event. Bram Stoker wrote Dracula whilst staying in Whitby, and the town still makes the most of the link!

 

[Penners]

Whitby is very popular with Goths

But then so was Scandza (from which we get the word "Scandinavia").

Now from this island of Scandza, as from a hive of races or a womb of nations, the Goths are said to have come forth long ago under their king, Berig by name. As soon as they disembarked from their ships and set foot on the land, they straightway gave their name to the place. And even to-day it is said to be called Gothiscandza. (26) Soon they moved from here to the abodes of the Ulmerugi, who then dwelt on the shores of Ocean, where they pitched camp, joined battle with them and drove them from their homes. Then they subdued their neighbours, the Vandals, and thus added to their victories. But when the number of the people increased greatly and Filimer, son of Gadaric, reigned as king--about the fifth since Berig--he decided that the army of the Goths with their families should move from that region. In search of suitable homes and pleasant places they came to the land of Scythia, called Oium in that tongue. Here they were delighted with the great richness of the country, and it is said that when half the army had been brought over, the bridge whereby they had crossed the river fell in utter ruin, nor could anyone thereafter pass to or fro. For the place is said to be surrounded by quaking bogs and an encircling abyss, so that by this double obstacle nature has made it inaccessible. And even to-day one may hear in that neighbourhood the lowing of cattle and may find traces of men, if we are to believe the stories of travellers, although we must grant that they hear these things from afar."

 

[agbagb]

Well Whitby is an old norse name so it's been popular with Goths for quite a while. The new Goths are a little less destructive though.

The question is how long after the first wave of Goths was the cottage built, was it originally a longhouse? (or half of one). Or am I just day dreaming?

 

[Penners]

The question is how long after the first wave of Goths was the cottage built, was it originally a longhouse?

I used to have a pal whom everyone called Shorthouse. But he wasn't a Goth - just a bit vertically deprived.

 

[agbagb]

Dating the cotage has proved a lot harder than we originally thought. But it looks like we might be getting an answer soon. During all my searching around and reading I came across an organisation the "Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group". So we've got in touch with them and they are keen to come and take a look. From the pictures I sent them they certainly think it worth surveying and recording.

We're running a sweepstake at home the spread going from C13 to C17.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

We're running a sweepstake at home the spread going from C13 to C17.

Oooh - I don't know. I think your ribbon pointing could be earlier! :wink:

 

[agbagb]

First visit from the YVBSG, it's certain to be pre 1650 and they want to come back and do a full survey. Many of the alterations are easy to identify but the exact original building is still a mystery. I'll keep you posted.