By medieval times, pigs were no longer being driven into the High Weald's woods to feed on acorns. But pigs were still valued for their ability to fatten quickly and for eating what would otherwise be wasted. They were normally fed on kitchen scraps and whey (a by-product of dairying) and so pigsties were often placed near both house and dairy for ease of feeding. They often have a chute through the front wall leading straight into the feeding trough.
Pigsties have low entrances - reflecting the height of the pigs. Sometimes a hen loft was put above the pigsty, helping to keep both pigs and hens warm and making the sties more suitable for raising litters. It was also thought that the pigs would frighten foxes away!