Stroupster

ND 33661 66031 and ND 3330 6624 A desk-based assessment, Level 3 standing building survey and watching brief were carried out, August 2013 – May 2014, at Stroupster Farm as part of a proposed wind farm development.

The farmsteading has not been occupied for at least 40 years and is to be partly demolished to make way for a control centre. It occupies a T-shaped plan with adjoining buildings at 90° to the central block. The steading includes seven individual units, Units 1–4 form the living space and bedrooms within a single storey cottage situated at the end of a two single-storey byres (Units 5 and 6). A threshing barn has been built at 90° to Unit 6. The barn is part lofted and has evidence of roof heightening. Historical maps show a horse engine or gang was situated on the W side of the building. Earlier power may have been supplied by a water wheel.

The survey results combined with the historical evidence strongly suggests that the farm existed during the late 18th century or early 19th century. The survey showed the steading has not been radically altered since its first construction and is of a single phase with only minor additions.

A watching brief was undertaken during construction where excavations penetrated the full depth of the peat; this included borrow pits, turbine bases and crane hard standings. A number of known cultural heritage sites were demarcated to protect them from construction and felling works. No archaeological finds or features were recorded.

Archive: RCAHMS

Funder: Natural Power Consultants Ltd

Mike Cressey and Graeme Carruthers – CFA Archaeology Ltd

(Source: DES)

A watching brief was undertaken by CFA at Stroupster Windfarm during construction where excavations penetrated the full depth of the peat: this included borrow pits, turbine bases and crane hardstandings. A number of known cultural heritage sites were demarcated to protect them from construction and felling works. No archaeological deposits or artefacts were recovered during the watching brief.

Funder: Natural Power Consultants Ltd.

CFA Archaeology Ltd