Trust being set up to secure future of Landbeach’s Tudor tithe barn

11/01/14 Landbeach Tithe Barn at risk – Landbeach, South Cambridgeshire11/01/14 The Grade II Listed Building, The Tithe Barn, opposite No. 2 Waterbeach Road, Landbeach. Picture: Keith Heppell

A trust is being set up to save a village’s hidden architectural gem for future generations.

Landbeach’s Tudor tithe barn was at risk of being sold for housing after the repair bill was estimated at £100,000 but it is hoped the new organisation could access much-needed grant funding.

The Grade II-listed building, which dates to the early 16th century and is owned by South Cambridgeshire District Council, is thought to be among the best surviving examples of its kind in the country.

Cllr James Hockney, who represents the area, has encouraged anyone who is interested in serving as a trustee to contact him.

He said: “Setting up a trust is the only way we will secure the long-term future of this building rather than see being converted.

“This is the last tithe barn in Cambridgeshire, and the only one in the UK with its original brick floor. It is part of our history, and it is a beautiful building.

“It’s got so many possible uses, and with Denny Abbey just down the road getting a lot of school trips, it would be brilliant if we could open this up for school trips as well.”

Another idea is to use the building for events such as barn dances.

The barn was built in the days when landowners were required to deliver a tenth of all their crops to the church, and it has huge double doors at each end which allowed carts to pass through at harvest.

The tithing requirement ended in 1836.

Anyone interested in becoming a trustee should call Cllr Hockney on 07958 389713, or email j_hockney@btinternet.com.