Townend Barn, Troutbeck, Cumbria

- Backblip - Lake District Day 5.

This barn (built in 1666) is still in use as part of a working farm, created by the Browne family. It is one of the finest examples of a Bank Barn, built on a slope, so the cattle can access the area underneath to give them a place of shelter. The fodder is stored in silos on either side of the barn. Agricultural buildings like this were seen as a status symbol.

For more than 400 years, generations of this one family lived in the farmhouse here, and it is quite unique, particularly the intricately carved furniture, which includes one of the first ever fitted kitchens. The fire was burning in the kitchen and there was a demonstration of rag rugging. The guides here certainly brought the place to life.

We walked along the road into the village, so many details to take in, including Byrne Jones/William Morris stained glass in the parish church.

Later on, we headed down to Fellfoot Park at the south end of Lake Windermere, and watched the steam train come in at Lakeside and the passengers move over to sail on the Lake on the Tern steamer. This area suffered badly from severe flash floods last November.