What the Preliminary Investigation into the Building's History Reveals
Our initial inspections and investigations revealed many areas for us to research. The illustration below shows the basic cottage structure and some of key features that will help piece together how the structure has changed.
We are hoping to draw on the knowledge of our readers to help piece together this buildings past. So please let us get in touch by commenting on the idostuff blog, Even if it’s just ideas, thoughts or where we should be looking next.
The Cottage Basic Structure
Stone built walls approximately 2” (600mm) thick on the ground floor with a reduced thickness on the second floor. A band of smaller masonry showing at the first floor level and brickwork at the top showing a further raising of the roof height (highlighted in the photograph)
The passage way to the left is walled in brick although both ends of the heavy timber structure are on stone columns built in a similar section to the walls.
The buildings to either side need looking at as well especially to left where the party wall is shared incorporating the timber structure.
Floors
First and second floors are supported on exposed timber beams. The first floor beams being rough hewn with a central beam of a larger section. The second floor beams have mouldings to the edges.
Stairs
The Stair case up to the first floor is supported on square section timber stringers, underneath remains another pair of stringers at a steeper angle, with notches cut indicating the previous step configuration.
The stair case to the second floor winds around a timber post, beams supporting the tread and risers are let in to the stone walls.
Fire Places and Flues
Downstairs we have a timber beam approximately 18” lower than the ceiling from this, two timbers reach back to side wall. Brickwork from the back of beam curves towards the stack that also curves forward. The brickwork of the stack possibly shows an arch just under the beam and one lower down with a curved steel / iron brace. The fireplace aperture is further reduced in two stages, first with brick and finally breeze block. Machine moulded bricks have been used to extend the left of the stack. The second floor fire place has a marble surround and mantle and a cement single piece fireback. The flues are one in front of the other making the chimney breast approximately 3’ deep.
Early Timber Roof Structure
An “A” frame with the main timbers being slightly and roughly squared off logs. The brace and top connecting piece fixed with pegged joints.
More Pics of the cruck frame Here
Later Roof Structure
Twin Purlins jointed at the centre through and oversized rafters. The Purlins are recessed into and supported by the masonry gable ends.
Any Comments will be gratefully recieved here on the blog
Previous Pages:
Thoughts on Why reseaching the property's history is important
The cottage's history in context project
Video Guided tour and Navigation
All the Whitby Cottage Related Blog Posts