A LITTLE HISTORY
Hartwell’s Barn was built in the 1850s by Jack Hartwell, one time owner the The Pheasant Inn. It was in regular use to shelter livestock and store hay until 1997 when the roof collapsed during a gale. The building was restored two years later, using many of the original building materials, including ironstone, and bricks and roof tiles made with clay dug from Brill Common and fired in local kilns. This work was funded by local people and grants from DEFRA and other bodies and Hartwwell’s Barn was repurposed as an Environmental Centre, managed by BEG.
The adjacent Saunder’s Field has been used as grazing pasture for centuries. It was originally part of the Royal Hunting Forest of Bernwode. After Charles I decommissioned the Forest in 1632, Brill Common was given to the people of Brill in compensation for the loss of forest rights whilst the tract of land between Brill Common and Touchbridge was divided into three fields and passed to cottagers in the village. Saunder’s Field is one of those fields. The steeply sloping field contains a small outdoor seating area but is not currently used for any agricultural purpose. There is a splendid veteran sycamore adjacent to the gate onto Brill Common.
Hartwell’s Barn sits in the field next to the windmill, adjoining Brill Common. The barn and field have recently come up for sale, and we need to act now if we’re to protect the area from housing developers. Instead of new builds on green land, we plan to create a wonderful new heritage centre for the community.
But first we have to raise E150k to buy the property. We know this is a big ask, but we have already raised E36k through generous pledges. All donations, large or small, will help our community preserve this beautiful place. Just think, if every resident could donate around EIOO, we’d be able to stop developers and build something that benefits us all.
Events
With the purchase Harwell’s Barn & Saunders field we will ensure that village events including music and plays will continue and grow for all the village to enjoy,
Talk to us
Have any questions? We are always happy to talk. chairman@thebrillsociety.org