In order to be able to appreciate M & S construction in its context, here is a brief descriptions of the alternative methods of working with earth, timber and straw to build cottages.

Close Studding…

• Extensive use of oak studs.

• Infill can be plaster (on horizontal laths)

• Daub (earth, straw and water mix)

• Brick - laid in courses or in herringbone pattern

• Stone - limestone and slate used

• External decoration - painted overall or left with timber exposed revealing classic ‘black and white’ finish.

• Most common in south-east England.

Box Frame…

• Larger panels of infill with more economical use of timber than close studding.

• Infill can be the same as for close studding depending on local availability and wealth.

• Plaster, although basically a gypsum mix, may contain earth (for a cheaper material) and animal hair as a binding agent.

• Most common - midlands and west of England.

Wattle and Daub…

• Wattle is essentially woven timber, usually hazel or willow if using whole rods, or ash or oak if cleft/split.

• The vertical rods are usually sprung into a groove of the frame structure.

• Daub is applied and covers all the wattle on domestic buildings. Some agricultural buildings (eg barns) use panels of un-daubed wattle to improve ventilation.

• Most common - many parts of England.

Mud and Stud…

• A light timber framework upon which vertical laths are nailed. Examples of pre - 18^th century frameworks, including roof structures, are predominately oak. Later they are of pine. Riven laths are usually ash but other timbers are often used.

• The mud mix, basically daub, is then applied on both sides, covering all timberwork on the exterior, but not all of it internally.

• A plain white limewash is the traditional external finish.

• Most common - mud and stud is almost exclusively a Lincolnshire method of construction.