3. Wednesday 4th August 2010

7 UWHG members joined David today for a big planning session, to draw the stonework of this increasingly intriguing structure on Hartlington Green; a task which took us all day. Although it isn’t our favourite job it does at least force us to examine and re-evaluate the site in detail.

Passers-by, including local residents, tourists, cyclists and ramblers, proved very curious – we lost count of how many times we were asked: “Found anything interesting?” and “What have you found?” It’s gratifying that so many people show an interest.

At the moment, however, we are still somewhat puzzled. Since we now know a corn drying kiln lies just a few yards away behind the trees, we are increasingly doubtful that this site is also a corn drying kiln. Besides, the more we look at this structure, the less likely does it seem to be a corn drying kiln. The relative position of the flues to the fire hearth, and the use of massive stone slabs across the floor, just don’t make sense. The currently favoured theory is this could be a communal bread oven, maybe, perhaps.

Jane Lunnon, UWHG Archivist