MEM23176 - Holmbush (Building)

Holmbush is shown and labelled on the Tithe Map for Porlock. At this time, it was composed of two parallel ranges, on the same alignment of the present buildings but further to the north, at SS 8717 4597 and SS 8718 4597. It is not clear which of the buildings were used for domestic purposes and which were outbuildings or farm buildings. [1] The site is labelled "Homebush" on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map. By this time, the building at SS 8717 4597 had been demolished and the present farmhouse constructed directly to the south of it. The range sited at SS 8718 4597 was also apparently demolished by this time, although the southern portion of it (centred at SS 8718 4595) was still extant. This building was shown with an open elevation to the west and may have been a linhay or similar. The layout and name of the site is repeated on the 2nd Edition map. [2,3] Since the 2nd Edition map was published, the building opposite the farmhouse has been demolished. [4] The site was viewed from a distance in January 1997. The surveyor believed the farmhouse was ancient, basing this on the inclusion of lateral stacks in the building's fabric, and described it as "substantial". Farming activities were also apparently moved from this site nearer to Porlock Hill in the 20th Century. [5]