Barn again: 15th century farm building restored to former glory

A 15th century barn that was once threatened with demolition has been restored to its former glory after an award-winning refurbishment. Tithe Barn in Shirehampton opened its doors to the public at the weekend following a long campaign of fundraising to save the historic building.

Inside the Tithe Barn Opening Day. Photo: Bob Pitchford

 The medieval barn was earmarked for closure and the site faced redevelopment in the 1990s. But a determined campaign from the local community saved the Grade II* listed building and a mixture of private and public investment funded the £1.2 million refurbishment.

 The medieval building was purchased by St Mary’s Church in 2008 in a poor state of repair. At the weekend it opened as a community centre with five separate meeting spaces with the help of £200,000-worth or funding from the church.

 Click here to read this article from This is Somerset 

 Click here to see more photos from the Shirehampton village website