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Aisled Barn Visitor Centre

Aisled Barn

The Aisled barn was built in the 1630's and is one of the finest examples of its kind in Lancashire. The appearance of these buildings suggests a change from grazing to crops between the 1570's and 1640's, with the Aisled barns being built within the last 40 years of that period. Cereal prices rose rapidly in the 1570's so the ploughing of poorer land became feasible and larger grain barns replaced Cruck barns which were too restrictive in interior space. The Wycoller barn was built using materials from a former Cruck frame barn.

Climate changes in the mid-17th century onwards produced bad harvests leading to more mixed farming systems. Later use of the barn varied - sheltering cattle, storing crops and latterly, a coach house used in conjunction with the Hall. Note the arch stoned doorways used for access by coaches.

The barn is listed as being of historic and architectural interest (Grade 2) and following development by Lancashire County Council the barn now serves as an information centre.

Drawing of Aisled barn

The new Visitor Centre provides a range of spaces and possibilities for exhibitions, dance, theatre and art.

Yet again the barn is in a modular phase, with the barn being used for a variety of activities at the same time. This echoes the barns original function, but this time instead of being used for agricultural purposes, it is now being used for recreational and information purposes.

The openings within the display are carefully positioned so as to draw attention to particular details of the barn and show them in a new light. We have provided spaces for both the lone walker, (who will find a radiant warm wall against which to rest on a cold winters day) and for a large community gathering.

All this brings the barn into the 21st century whilst still keeping its original character. Take your time and have another look around the barn the more you look, the more you will discover.

Who knows what the barn will be like in another 100 years. It could be a cyber barn where information is stored with holographic projections and the barn itself could have artificial intelligence, so that it really can tell its own story. For now we can protect it and preserve it for future generations, so that they too can hear its story . Keep a look out for the various activities that will be taking place, one thing is for sure, the Aisled barn will be constantly changing just like it has done throughout its history.

The newly completed Aisled Barn Visitor Centre at Wycoller Country Park near Colne, officially opened by County Councillor Tim Ormrod, Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Rural Affairs, earlier this year has won a prestigious national award.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) held their National Awards Ceremony in Birmingham this week and the Aisled Barn Project was one of the elite group of buildings singled out for praise across Britain and the European Union. The winners now go forward for consideration for the Stirling Prize. Although a relatively small project carried out on behalf of the County Council by Hakes Associates of London, the Visitor Centre was in exalted company including multi-million pound buildings and renowned architects.

The judges commented:

"The young architects had managed to keep the sense of the spirit of the glorious ramshackle interior of the barn and had showed an impressive depth of reference. New inserts - discrete prefabricated components such as display case, ramp, stage and shelter were good examples of architectural tact and invention."

County Councillor Tim Ormrod, who was at the award ceremony, said:

"I am delighted that the Aisled Barn Visitor Centre has been recognised by RIBA as being worthy of an architectural award. We usually associate this sort of award with modern, futuristic buildings but the skill needed to refurbish an ancient building such as the Aisled Barn while retaining historical and unusual features is just as important.

"The newly opened Visitor Centre will be a great asset to the local community, providing a focal point for visitors to the country park and a venue for plays, recitals and other events."

The Aisled Barn Visitor Centre in Wycoller Country Park near Colne in Pendle can be accessed every day of the week. There is also a café and craft centre in the village and the country park boasts some beautiful walks, both short and long, including the Bronte Trail.

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