Inglenook Fireplace - First Look
Although we're calling this an Inglenook fireplace, it looks like this one was used more for bread-making. There is no 'nook', i.e. seat, for people to sit in next to the fire. There is, however, evidence of at least 3 bread ovens. In the center of the back of the fireplace the opening to the largest oven remains, which has been blocked off. The back of the fireplace is the wall of the extension, so the owners must have decided to remove the bread oven and instead have an extension for an additional family to live in. On the left we have two oven archways that have both been blocked off. We are going to open these up and investigate the interior as part of the restoration work. Hopefully at least one of them is complete and can be restored. The bricks on the left corner of the fireplace have had the corner worn off. This is where people would sharpen their farm tools and cooking utensils.