Thanks for the speculations.

No, Jude's aunt didn't have a fair amount of land. She lived on the green and ran a bakery, which would let us know that she had need for a lot of fuel in order to bake!

I guess it was an enclosed woodshed then.

Jackie, the time would be earli-ish 19th century. Don't know the exact date of the tale, but should be able to find out.

Good point, Fish, about the coal and that not being good for mummers' rehearsals and piano storage.

Bole regards,
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