LONGHOUSE A house, originally providing accommodation for cattle and humans all under one roof. Typically of two storeys (or one storey plus attics). Domestic rooms are separated from the byre or animal shelter by a chimney breast backing onto a through-passage which provided access for both animals and humans. 16th and 17th century longhouses are commonly found in Devon, in Wales, in the north of England, parts of Scotland and in smaller numbers in Dorset. Not to be confused with Viking or Neolithic longhouses.
