History of the Shepherds Hut
Shepherds Huts were used as far back as the 16th century during sheep raising and lambing.
Inaccessible areas of the farm would have a visit from the shepherd, his dog, his flock of sheep and his Shepherds hut. Once the crop had been grazed they would move to pastures new and the field ploughed returning the “natural fertilizer” (sheep droppings) to the land.
The Shepherds hut was a kitchen, dining room, bedroom, sitting room and storeroom all rolled into one and cost 6 months of the shepherd’s salary. They provided the shepherd with practical and durable accommodation. The old huts had a stove in one corner for warmth and cooking and a hinged stable door, which was always positioned away from the prevailing wind, enabling the Shepherd to hear the flock. Strong axles and wheels were used to withstand the constant movement from field to field.
Big changes occurred during The First World War. Ammonium nitrate was manufactured for explosives and this provided artificial fertilisers. It was also at this time that tractors were introduced and the need for large flocks of sheep to 'fold' the land went into decline.
The grazing meadows were ploughed and replaced by more profitable cereal crops. Improved food transportation and the arrival of refrigeration meant that lamb and other meats were imported from overseas.
Many Shepherds huts found a new lease of life during The Second World War as Home Guard Outposts and there was one such Shepherd's Hut on our Uncle's farm in Copythorne near Southampton. It was used by the Home Guard and then comfortably furnished to accommodate farm labourers during the last year of the war.
After the war it was used to store feed for the farm animals.
