Harborough District Council Local List of Non-Designated Heritage Assets
Home Farm, Bakehouse Lane, Saddington
Ref: SAD/001
Construction Date: Circa 1840
Architect: Not known
Original Use: Became bake house in 1890
Current Use: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Parish: Saddington
Ward: Fleckney
Reason for Inclusion
Historic Interest
In 1890 Mr Robert Gardiner built Home Farm and the bakehouse on the site of a malt house when baking was transferred from its original site on Bake House Lane to Home Farm where the original Goodwin & Barsby oven still remains although not in its original position.
The teagle hoist which was used for lifting grain into the building is in good condition and sits in a prominent position and can be seen if walking the Leicestershire Round as the footpath runs by the house.
Historically the bakehouse would have had an important role providing food for the local community.
Robert Gardiner was born in Kibworth in 1859. By 1881 he and his wife Jane were living in Bakehouse Lane and their three children were all born in Saddington. In census returns Robert describes his occupation variously as baker, grazier and/or confectioner. His son, Thomas (1885-1969), became a grazier in Saddington and daughter, Bertha (1889-1973), was a music teacher in the village.
Associative interest
Home Farm, the Bakehouse and Harlain Cottage (Grade II listed) provide a structural relationship reflecting several centuries of continuity at the heart of the village. Several independent businesses operated from Bakehouse Lane, reflecting the pre-industrial period in which industries were cottage-based.
Goodwin Barsby was founded (in partnership with Samuel Bailey Goodwin and others) by Robert Pochin in 1875. Original location was the St. Margaret's Ironworks near the canal in Leicester. The partnership dissolved in 1895 when Pochin bought out his partners to become sole owner. His sons, Robert and Harry continued the business after his death in 1906. After many takeovers and management buy-outs, the firm is still operating, now based in Coalville and manufacturing heavy-duty stone-crushing equipment.