Grange Farm - Lower Road
Grange Farm - Lower Road


Grange Farm stands almost on the corner of the western end of Lower Road and the road to Steeple Ashton, opposite the Court House. This is not its original name. Sales notices in 1939 referred to it as Bratton Farm, but earlier it was known as Ballards Home Living.

In the early-C16th Richard Ballard of Bratton was one of the chief farmers of the village. He had to collect the tax from the inhabitants of Bratton and Milboume and pass the money on to the sheriff for the King.

Grange Farm (Ballards Home Living) remained with the Ballards through several generations. In the late C17th William Ballard was a very successful farmer, who built himself a retirement home called Winters. In the late 1690’s his son Philip carried on the farm. He was ambitious, and in 1715 began to build Bratton House. Philip died in 1723, leaving estates in Bratton, Imber, West Ashton and Upton Scudamore to be divided among his sons.

After Philip’s death an inventory was made, dated 18 March 1723. This reveals a very comfortably furnished four-bedroomed farmhouse, with good-sized rooms, at least three of which can seat over a dozen people. The Ballards with three in their farmhouse were up-to-date and obviously quite well-off. Their home was far superior to the medieval timbered house, parts of which can still be seen incorporated in the rear north wall of the present house.

It is now a listed building, described as: “C18th, two-story, colour-washed brick. Moulded stone string at 1st floor level. Moulded stone eaves cornice. Old tiled roof. Five windows on 1st floor, four windows and central 9-panel door in moulded stone architrave surround with flat stone hood on carved brackets over, lining through with stone string. All windows have flat stone surround with moulded bead edging. Later extension to right hand with dentil brick string at 1st floor. One window on 1st floor, two windows on ground floor. Outbuildings mainly modern. Garden wall to road early C19th brick.”

'Grange Farm' by Jean Morrison

'The Ballards of Bratton House' by Jean Morrison

Historic England listing

Grange_Farm.jpg




[Return]
Bratton History Association.

The Bratton History Association aims to provide all those curious about local history with an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discover more about the history of Bratton and Wiltshire. Activities include monthly meetings, talks by professional historians, visits to places of interest to historians, and our own local history project.

Copyright Bratton History Association 2015-2026

Bratton History Association Privacy Statement
Web Design by Blue Engine Web Development © 2008-2026