By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:31 AM on 30th January 2012
A medieval barn described by the poet John Betjeman as the ‘cathedral of Middlesex’ has been rescued from decay and neglect for the nation, English Heritage said today.
Grade I-listed Harmondsworth Barn in west London joins the likes of Stonehenge, Osborne House and parts of Hadrian’s Wall in the national collection of historic sites and monuments under the guardianship of English Heritage.
Built by Winchester College in 1426, the
barn would have been used to store grain from the surrounding manor,
owned by the Bishop of Winchester, with profits from the produce used to
pay for the school.
Historic: The exquisite oak structure was created by skilled carpenters, whose signature marks can still be seen, in the 15th Century
The structure resembles the nave of a large church, standing at nearly 60 metres (200ft) long, 12 metres (40ft) wide, and 11 metres (36ft) high, with 13 huge oak trusses resting on stone blocks holding up the roof.
While it has had some repairs over
the years, most recently by English Heritage to make it weather-proof
and keep out pigeons, the structure is largely as it was built, with the
timber and stones still bearing original carpenter and mason marks.
The
oak-framed barn, which the heritage agency said ranks alongside the
Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace for its historic value, was
used up until the 1970s but fell into disrepair in the ownership of an
offshore company which had bought it in 2006.
Concern: English Heritage became so concerned over the barn’s deteriorating condition it issued an urgent works notice in 2009 for emergency repairs to keep it water and wind-tight
Rescue: Once the building the Grade I-listed barn had been saved from the ravages of the weather and pigeons restoration could begin
Michael Dunn who is a Historic Buildings Inspector for English Heritage looks over the Great Barn of Harmondsworth, West London
It is thought the purchase was a speculative one, as the barn stands just metres from where Heathrow’s third runway – had it gone ahead – would have been built.
In 2009, English Heritage became
concerned about the barn’s deteriorating condition and issued an urgent
works notice for emergency repairs to keep it water and wind-tight.
A dispute over payment for the emergency works led to English Heritage buying the barn for £20,000.
Michael
Dunn, historic buildings inspector for English Heritage, said the
building was the best preserved and largest surviving medieval timber
barn in England.
The barn became known as “Cathedral of Middlesex”
‘This is high status, this is the finest timber, and a very confident carpenter. This is as good as it gets,’ he said.
Simon Thurley, chief executive of
English Heritage, said: ‘Harmondsworth Barn is one of the greatest
medieval buildings in Britain, built by the same skilled carpenters who
worked on our magnificent medieval cathedrals.
‘Its
rescue is at the heart of what English Heritage does – protecting this
nation’s architectural treasures and helping people discover our
national story through them.
‘We will complete the repair of this masterpiece and, working with local people, will open it to the public to enjoy.’
A local group, the Friends of the
Great Barn at Harmondsworth, formed around six years ago and have been
dedicated to preserving the building, researching its history and
keeping up the interest in its future, opening it each year to around
400-500 visitors during the Open House weekend.
The barn will now be open for free
two Sundays a month between April and October, staffed by volunteers,
with plans to open it every Sunday from next year.
Phil
Rumsey, chairman of the group, said: ‘After working to save the barn
over the last six years, it is wonderful that English Heritage have
rescued this much-loved building. It will provide a great lift to the
community.’
The barn ranks alongside Stonehenge, the Palace of Westminster and Buckingham Palace for its historic value