Townhead farm Steading, Old Cambus, Cockburnspath: Historic Building Recording

Addyman Archaeology were asked by Debra Logue to carry out historic buildings recording at Townhead Farm Steading, Old Cambus, near Cockburnspath, Bewrickshire, prior to its conversion into 3 dwellings. A planning application for the conversion was granted on 16 June 2008 (ref. 07/02269/FUL). A condition attached to the consent stated that the historical building survey be carried out prior to the conversion of the buildings. The survey was undertaken on Wednesday the 27th of February in excellent clear bright weather conditions. A complete photographic survey of the exterior and interior of the buildings was undertaken. The walls were closely inspected for alterations, blocked openings etc. These were then recorded at a scale of 1:200 on the existing architect's drawings. It was noticed that the buildings were not all of one phase, with at least three different types of masonry and mortar. The adaptation of the buildings over time as agricultural practices changed can be seen in numerous blocked openings and others slapped through walls. Evidence for the other buildings visible on the 1st edition OS map were noticed in the form of wall stubs and scars of roof lines. No evidence of original floors survived, and all the internal fittings were modern. All of this information has been presented on the elevation drawings.