More bed cupboard photos

This bed cupboard is a rare example in Cumbria, because there are not many left. The farmhouse as a whole is a good example due to the fact that many historic features have not been removed (which is what often happens when properties are 'modernised' over the years), builders usually find it easier and cheaper to remove and replace, hence the National Trusts conservation strategy;
"…considering the careful management of change. It is about revealing and sharing the significance of places and ensuring that their special qualities are protected, enhanced, enjoyed and understood by present and future generations."
Here are some more bed cupboard photos as a record of condition and construction, taken in April 2016.
The current plan is to leave the bed cupboard in it's present day state, in order to best preserve the historic features and visual condition, without damaging it for the future.

View showing old doors into front living room, see bed base timber rails near the floor, with holes for hemp rope to support mattress of some kind (see close up photo later on).
NB:The new outer door frame is visible to the right hand side.

View of rear wall, this is an end gable wall, the black grey finish is damp mould, timber panels to bottom half (note slate sconce on brick dwarf walls a later addition).

Old window now opening to utility room, this will be kept to afford ventilation to bed cupboard.

Old window opening, note lime plaster poor condition in places

Closer shot of lime plaster, top skin gone, plenty of hair visible

Back gable wall 

Looking through the old window opening into the utility room (being a later addition with lean-to roof), now to house boiler.

View looking back, you can see part of the new timber stud frame and doors, these have been added to make the bed cupboard secure, but still allow access in the future. 

Rear corner view 

Lime plaster above slate sconce shelf deteriorating

Rear wall paneling and old bed support

Close up of rear left hand corner, see stone wall 

See the two bed support timber rails remaining

Another view of the bed support rails 

Close up of bed rail showing old hemp rope used to support a mattress of some kind. Some say the phrase 'sleep tight don't let the bed bugs bite' refers to making sure the ropes were pulled tight so the bed did not sag (I am not so sure but it's a great story:)

See the corner support post, there are three remaining, rounded on shape

Junction between bed rail and corner post. 

Rear junction with two rails meeting right hand side post

New recycled doors added to protect the bed cupboard, the doors were from the old cylinder cupboard!