The Tithe Barn, Abergavenny Explained

The Tithe Barn
Type:Barn
Map Relief:yes
Coordinates:51.8212°N -3.0162°W
Location:Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Built:C.16th century
Governing Body:Priory Church of St Mary, Abergavenny
Designation1:Grade II* listed building
Designation1 Offname:The Tithe Barn
Designation1 Date:7 May 1952
Designation1 Number:2375

The Tithe Barn, Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire is a tithe barn of late medieval origins which forms part of a group of historic buildings in the centre of the town. It is a Grade II* listed building.

History

The barn is of late-medieval origin, with a likely construction date in the 16th century. The building was constructed for the storage of tithes payable to the church authorities of the Priory Church of St Mary.[1] Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the barn was used for a variety of functions, including a theatre in the 17th century and a discotheque in the 20th century.[1] By 2002, the barn was in a state of considerable dilapidation and was again taken into the ownership of the Priory Church, which following a major reconstruction, operates an exhibition space in the building.[1]

Architecture and description

The barn is constructed of whitewashed sandstone rubble, with walls that are now significantly out of true. The architectural historian John Newman describes their present appearance as "waveringly deformed, but originally must have been quite a showpiece." The barn is of seven bays, and the original three cart-entrances have been blocked. The eaves of the roof have lines of pigeon-holes with perching ledges.

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Welcome to the Tithe Barn. St Mary's Priory Church. 9 April 2017.