Manor Farm House, Meare, Somerset.
In
2005 we
had the privilege to work in the heart of the Somerset levels at the Manor
Farm House, Meare, Somerset. Dating from the 14th century with some C16-C17
fenestration, it is an extraordinary survival with many original features,
and is of outstanding architectural interest.
Once the property of the Abbots of Glastonbury and one of their residences, there
is documentary evidence of habitation at Meare from at least 1252 but the present
building is probably of the time of Adam of Sodbury (1323-1334).
Dendrochronological analysis of timbers supporting the first floor supported
the Abbott Sodbury date with a likely felling date of AD1315-43, probably towards
the beginning of the range.
The stonework of coursed and squared Blue Lias rubble was in a very tired condition
as were much of the Doulting freestone dressings. The interior has a remarkable
former open hall with many features of the 14th ce , such as a large fireplace
with stone hood it is supported with three girt great corbels the size of tv
sets!
The projecting 2 storey porch has a front facing ogee gable with a coping rising
to an apex with a finial in the form of a much weathered stone figure in robes
and mitre; postulated as Abbot Richard Whiting of Glastonbury.
Because of the extent of original stone work a decision was reached to conserve
every saveable fragment of stone by full flush pointing/rendering thus maintaining
the archaeological integrity and visibility of areas such as different construction
phases, behind the scenes we introduced a heritage grout to the cavities behind
the walls and further consolidated with Cintec ties.
The Porch figure was pinned and repaired after damaging ironwork was removed
and the abbots head readhered, various architectural elements were replaced with
newly carved stonework. Best of all Violet my daughter was born whilst this job
was on going.
