Sparks, Yarnscombe, Devon. Historic Building Recording (OASIS ID: southwes1-228431)

Results of historic building recording and archaeological monitoring at Sparks, Yarnscombe, Devon ahead of the proposed conversion of the barn to an annex, extension and the replacement of the rear flat roof extension. The site is located in the parish of Yarnscombe on the southern edge of the main village. The building sits on a hill at approximately 190m AOD, seven miles south of Barnstaple. Sparks is a Grade II Listed house with late medieval origins, though remodelled in the 17th century, with the right end rebuilt and extended in the early 19th century. The main range is the higher end of a late medieval open hall house. The building recording and archaeological monitoring identified the historic phasing and agricultural origin of the barn structure associated with the main house. The primary barn structure was constructed during the 18th century, being adapted in the 19th century with the addition of two lean-to structures and internal alterations transforming it into animal housing. The addition of a small furnace in the 20th century converted the barn to industrial use. No evidence of earlier structures or archaeological features associated with the earlier history of the site was identified during the works.