Just south of St Mary’s Church, Lenham, Kent, England’s famous mediaeval barn known as the Tithe Barn is Constructed in the late 14th century, this Grade I listed building has extraordinary mediaeval architecture. Originally housed on St Augustine’s estate in Canterbury, the barn is a magnificent example of timber-framed building with tiled hip roof and weatherboarded walls.
Nine bays long, with two more added in the late 15th or early 16th century, this barn is Inside, raking rafters forms the aisle roofs while crown post trusses support the roof. Rising atop a timber sill supported by a stone plinth or stone pedestals, the barn provides a window into England’s rich architectural legacy.
Key Details About Tithe Barn Lenham
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lenham, Kent, England |
| Built | Late 14th century |
| Grade Listing | Grade I |
| Architectural Style | Medieval timber-framed |
| Length | Nine bays (originally seven, with two added later) |
| Roof Structure | Crown post trusses with raking rafters |
| Materials | Timber frame, stone plinth, weatherboard, tiled hip roof |
| Original Ownership | St Augustine’s, Canterbury |
| Nearby Landmark | St Mary’s Church, Lenham |
| Historical Note | The barn was originally one of a pair; the other was destroyed by fire in 1962. |
Architectural Notes of Tithe Barn Lenham
Structured from Timber: Frameworks
Lenham’s classic example of mediaeval timber-framed construction is the Tithe Barn. Rising on a stone foundation, the frame boasts exquisite woodwork that has endured millennia of use.
Roof Trusses in Crown Post
Typical of mediaeval building, crown post trusses support the roof. These trusses generate the famous internal space of the barn and help to spread the weight of the tiled roof.
Slides and Bays
Internal lanes on both sides and both ends abound in the barn. Originally comprising seven bays, two more were added subsequently to provide the present nine-bay construction.
Weatherboarding
The barn’s weatherboarding preserves the timber frame under while providing cover from the elements. This addition improves the architectural appeal of the structure as well.
Historical Importance
For St Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury, the Tithe Barn was a main place of storage for agricultural output gathered as tithes. Paid in products rather than money, tithes were a kind of tax, and mediaeval economy depended heavily on buildings like this.
Sadly, in 1962 fire destroyed the second barn in the pair. Still, the surviving Tithe Barn is evidence of the skill and usefulness of mediaeval buildings.
Paying a visit to the Tithe Barn Lenham
History buffs visiting Kent would find the Tithe Barn, close to St Mary’s Church in Lenham, perfect location. The amazing construction of the barn and its fit into the gorgeous English countryside will appeal to visitors.
| Visiting Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lenham, Kent |
| Accessibility | Limited, as the barn is not always open to the public |
| Nearby Attractions | St Mary’s Church, Lenham Village |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and summer for good weather and scenic surroundings |
| Transport Options | Train to Lenham or car with parking available nearby |
The legacy of the Lenham Tithe Barn
The Tithe Barn in Lenham is a living reminder of England’s architectural and agricultural legacy rather than only a structure. Its Grade I listed status guarantees that next generations will be able to wonder at this mediaeval masterpiece.