East Riddlesden Hall also boasts this magnificent oak-framed barn, which is thought to be a medieval tithe barn used for storing the tithes - the tenth of a farm's produce that had to be given to the church. It's a hugely impressive structure, long and high, just like the nave of a church, with the only light coming through a few slits in the walls and through the enormous arched doors. I think there's something very beautiful about old wooden-framed buildings, how they are worked with such respect for the timbers. I don't think they used glue, screws or nails, just wooden pegs to secure the frame. The barn is now used to display some old carts and agricultural implements.
There is something magical about these old barns; I bet there are some developers who would love to do a 'barn conversion' on this. The sunbeam really works.
ReplyDelete