A 19th Century Baker’s Store
Wing Granary, despite its name, stored various types of flour in hessian sacks within bins, serving the needs of the bakery. Dating back to the 1820s, this granary has retained its original structure. It was once located behind the bakery in Vicarage Lane, Wing, Buckinghamshire, and has preserved its historical integrity over the years. An elderly resident recalled the challenge of ascending a steep ladder with a full sack of flour on his back during the days of delivering flour with a horse and wagon.
The baker's granary is constructed primarily from wood, coated with tar for preservation. Its roof is crafted from slate, and the granary is supported by cast iron "saddle stones," strategically designed to safeguard the flour from moisture and prevent rats from gaining access.
The Wing Granary at the Museum
The presence of the baker's granary at the museum can be traced back to Miss Joan Harris, the daughter of the last baker, who decided to sell her house. Concerned that the new owners might remove it to expand the garden, the granary, located in the bakery's back garden, had its roof removed before being lifted over the garden wall.
In August 1978, the granary was safely transported to the Museum, where volunteers diligently reinstated the roof structure and slates during the winter of 1978/1979.