An Early Vernacular Hammer-Beam Structure: Imberhorne Farm Cottages, East Grinstead, West Sussex

Abstract

Imberhorne Farm Cottages 1–3 (TQ 373384) are, from the exterior, Victorian farm-workers' cottages. The outward appearance, however, hides the impressive remains of Imberhorne Manor House, containing an early archbraced false hammer-beam roof, tree-ring dated to 1428. The structure is compared to other surviving arch-braced examples and shows strongest similarities to the design of Westminster Hall, but lacking its elaborate mouldings and sculpture. The lack of adornment enables the detail of the design to be determined, showing considerable strengthening of the braces and retention of the hammer beam and post as single elements undivided by the arch. The construction of such a building within thirty years of the completion of Westminster Hall makes this property particularly important within the milieu of the developing structure of the arch-braced hammer beam, and demonstrates the influence of Westminster Hall in a vernacular context.