Ashleworth Tithe Barn

Ashleworth Tithe Barn

The Ashleworth Tithe Barn is a massive medieval tithe barn beside the River Severn, built in the years 1481 - 1515 by Abbot Newland of Bristol Abbey. At that time the manor of Ashleworth was in the posession of Bristol Abbey, and the tithe barn was built as a place to store foodstuffs given to the church.

The barn is built of ten bays, topped with a slate roof, and supported by a lovely system of timber roof trusses in a queen post design. The barn is owned and maintained by the National Trust, but it is used by a working farm. Seasonal opening.

Unless you are a real student of medieval architecture, you may find the tithe barn a bit short on appeal. It is large, and an impressive reminder of how good medieval architecture can be, but it is unlikely to occupy a visitor for more than a few minutes. The setting is undoubtedly lovely, however.

Directly behind the barn is the parish church, with Saxon stonework and one of the earliest known examples of a royal coat of arms.