Commemorative plaque 11554

This green commemorative plaque records: THE RED BARN MILNTHORPE. Traditionally this building, dating from c1750, was a 'bonded warehouse', associated with the Port of Milnthorpe. Being situated on the route connecting the port's activities on the Kent Estuary to the old main road which ran through Crooklands, it was close to Carr's Yard, the home of a family of carriers, and to Harmony Hall built by Joseph Fayrer, a sea captain and slave trader. In 1840 the barn was occupied by George Whittaker who made a fortune importing guano from South America for use as fertilizer. At this period 'its woodwork was always painted red', hence the name. Recorded plaque organisation: Parish of Milnthorpe.

The Red Barn in Milnthorpe, dating from around 1750, served as a bonded warehouse and later became associated with George Whittaker's profitable guano import business; its red-painted woodwork gave it the name 'Red Barn'.