Farming gems

Nov 21 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THOUSANDS of barns scattered among villages, meadows and pastures make the landscape of the Yorkshire Dales like no other.

This is a book which does those glorious structures proud.Sadly, a large number have fallen into disuse although the good news is that many are listed buildings. And deservedly so – because of their great character.

Writer David Joy charts their rise and decline and portrays a year in the life of a typical barn before farming practices changed out of all recognition.

Co-writer Andy Singleton, a builder for 25 years, takes up the story by covering the construction methods and materials that were used to build barns.

Plans and photographs - both archive and specially commissioned —complete a truly fascinating work that breaks completely new ground.

ANDREW BALDWIN