Wiggan Farm farmhouse and barn

30 Towngate Road Worrall Sheffield S35 0AR

Building

Roofed and walled permanent structures.

Age

The farmhouse main building including the western extension and barn main range and northern wing were in existence by 1789. Some architectural features of the farmhouse suggest that it is late 17th or early 18th century. The northeastern extension to the farmhouse is of unknown date, but probably 19th century. The origins of the barn are unclear, with suggestions ranging from mid to late 18th century, through possibly being as old as the farmhouse, to being the original farmhouse (predating the current one). The western extension to the barn existed by 1864, and the northern extension by 1890.

Rarity

Other examples of similar farm buildings exist in the local area, but they are few in number compared to most vernacular buildings.

Architectural and Artistic Interest

Both buildings are characteristic of the local vernacular, built of local stone. The farmhouse has some mullioned windows of early date, and a substantial carriage arch. The barn has ventilation openings and two owl holes, indicating its use for livestock.

Group Value

The two buildings have group value as a single farm of 17th century or possibly earlier origin. They also make a significant contribution to the setting of the three nearby listed buildings, 64 & 66 Towngate Road and Fox House, which also date from the 17th century. Together with these, the farmhouse and barn form the still-recognisable historic core of the village.

Historic Interest

Worrall is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and owes its origins to farming, an activity that still dominates this area of the city. The buildings contribute strongly to the village's identity as a rural community with a long history of agricultural and pastoral activity, and this is deeply felt by many residents. Although Sheffield is widely known for its industry, a great deal of its area is farmland, and in areas such as this the cultures of farming, manufacturing and mineral extract have existed side by side for centuries. Wiggan Farm provides an important surviving illustration of a longstanding pillar of the local economy. It is also possible to see it in the context of the later development of a largely residential community, with a growth pattern of buildings spanning four centuries. An assessment by Historic England concluded that although the buildings did not meet the criteria to be considered of national significance, they are "clearly of great local significance".

Archaeological Interest

Both buildings have undergone a long process of additions and alterations, but retain original fabric and evidence of the sequence of development, leaving a record of the changing needs of a farm over the centuries. Historic England found that the interior of the farmhouse, although much altered, retains "considerable archaeological interest".

Landmark Status

The farm lies at the very centre of the historic core of the village: a visitor from 200 years ago would have no difficulty orienting themselves by these familiar buildings. The farm is regarded locally with affection as a great asset, as shown by strenuous objections to the threat to its buildings from a proposed housing development. The barn in particular is a prominent, attractive and distinctive landmark, as it has been for over two centuries, and is the key building that allows the village to retain its character as a historic settlement which owes its existence to farming.

15 Aug 2022

16 Jun 2022