Tree-ring analysis of samples taken from the arcade posts has shown that six of the timbers were from trees felled in the period c. AD 1392-1412 and probably c. 1403 "suggesting [the barn] to be later than originally believed". (1) Further dendrochronological analysis was undertaken in 2019. (6) Structural timbers from the northern end were dated to 'a series of overlapping felling date ranges from AD 1373–97, at the earliest, to AD 1404–29, at the latest. Samples taken from structural timbers in the southern end of the barn were felled in, or around, AD 1403. Weatherboarding from both the northern and southern ends has also been dated as felled in the period AD 1391–1416.'

An evaluation in 2005 by Canterbury Archaeological Trust found that extensive foundations for a sprung wooden floor had been constructed at some point in the building's history. In order to make these foundations, the natural chalk was graded, suggesting that deposits relating to the earlier phases, construction or pre-barn use of the site, have been removed across the footprint of the barn, though further investigation would be needed to confirm this. (2-3)

The following text is from the original listed building designation:
FRINDSBURY EXTRA CP UPNOR ROAD TQ 77 SW 5/41 South side 27.8.52 Barn 30 yards south-west of the Manor House GV I
Barn. Circa 1300. Timber-framed on high flint plinth and weather- boarded with plain tiled hipped roof. Small sky-lights to east. Inset wagon entrance with doubled boarded doors at south end and cart enclosure at south end of east side. Interior: 14 bays, aisled on both sides and on ends with arcade posts on cills and long curved shores lapped over aisle ties to arcade posts. Wall cills at higher level than arcade cills. Wall plate with reversed assembly to outer walls and two outer posts in each bay pegged alongside each other. Arcade posts with long curved braces to arcade plates and tie-beams, and vertical and horizontal blocking pieces. Plain crown-post, collar-purlin roof with two long curved downward braces and two upward braces each. Collars morticed and tenoned. Finely-cut scarf joints to arcade plates with four face pegs and a key each. See Arch. Cant. Vol. LXXXI, 10, (S.E. Rigold). Listing NGR: TQ7474870065 (4)

Archive material (5)

In 2020, A Heritage Statement was completed in advance of proposed development at Manor Farm Barn, including the conversion of the former farmyard and its buildings into a venue for weddings and similar functions. (7)

<1> English Heritage, 2002, Tree-ring analysis of timbers from Manor Farm Barn, Frindsbury (Unpublished document). SKE15813.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2005, Archaeological Evaluation at Frindsbury Barn, Rochester (Unpublished document). SKE16714.

<3> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2008, An Archaeological Watching and Recording Brief at Frindsbury Barn, Rochester (Unpublished document). SKE15814.

<4> English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.

<5> Historic England, Archive material associated with Manor Farm, Upnor Road, Listed Building (Archive). SKE54142.

<6> Historic England, 2019, Manor Barn, Parsonage Lane (Upnor Road), Frindsbury, Rochester, Kent, Further Tree-ring Analysis of Oak Timbers (Unpublished document). SKE54330.

<7> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2020, Manor Farm Barn and outbuildings, Manor Farm, Frindsbury, Kent, Heritage Statement (Unpublished document). SKE55056.