September 21st 1962 FAMILY HAS LIVED HERE HUNDREDS OF YEARS
LOCAL NOTES By John Quill
One of the oldest homes in country. Yes, Queen Elizabeth really did sleep at Hammonds Farm
When Mr. Ron Weeden and his three children emigrate to a new life in Australia at the beginning on next year, their home, Hammonds Farm, Pirton, will pass out of the family’s hands for the first time in centuries.
One of the country’s oldest inhabited houses, Hammonds Farm, has been put up for auction and Mr. Weeden’s family link with the beautifully preserved building will be broken. Mr. Weeden who lost his wife three years ago, showed me around Hammonds Farm this week, and I saw for myself its ancient halls and staircases which make it one of the country’s most valuable and historically interesting properties. Our journey stared in the main lounge – there are four reception rooms and five bedrooms at the farm – which displays the fine original timbers and many relics of the house in days gone by. The old inglenook fireplace, though renovated slightly in recent years, sets off the antique brass and ironwork and the furniture and fittings complement the panelling and carved woodwork. The front main entrance is perhaps the most interesting feature of the old building for it includes the original door. This part of the house dates back as far as the 12th century when the house, as mentioned in the Domesday Book, accommodated masons and other workmen who built the local church.
Every evening before going to bed, Mr. Weeden puts his shoulder against the massive door – which is a good 12 inches thick – and pushes it closed. It is secured by a latch and by great wooden bars fixed into slots on the inside. “I think this is one of the few remaining bar doors in this country. It is one of my favourite features about the old house,” Mr. Weeden told me.
GOT TALLER? From the main lounge we lowered our heads to go through the door to the main staircase (surely the English race has got taller over the years, for all the doorways seemed to be very low). The staircase is another fascinating feature of the house and is of well-maintained oak. The actual steps are very steep and winding, and the balustrade is decorated with some fine carvings. “This is believed to have been fashioned by the monks who lived here centuries ago. It is very sound structurally, and amazingly easy to keep polished,” said Mr. Weeden. When Mr. Weeden told me that “Queen Elizabeth slept here” he really meant it. He even showed me the room in which she stayed on several occasions in the days when Hammonds Farm was her hunting lodge.
These are some of the reasons why the house is scheduled as a building of architectural and historic importance. “We can safely say it won’t be pulled down, but I am very worried in case it should fall into the hands of someone who isn’t an enthusiast for old buildings. I have even heard that an American dealer wants to transport the place wholesale to the States.” Mr. Weeden told me.
Though he is looking forward to starting a new life for himself and Denise, nine, Robert, six, and four year old Richard, in New South Wales, where they are taking over another farm, he is very sad at leaving his family’s home. “I really do love the old place and will be very sorry to leave. But I am sure that one day it will come back into the family. I cannot explain this feeling – but its’s just how I feel,” he told me.
Mr. Weeden has already shown many people over Hammonds Farm since he placed the matter in the hands of the estate agents. No price has been suggested and the house will be sold by auction next month.
