18 March 2015
Last updated at 19:14

The 15th Century, Grade I listed building is a scheduled monument

Repairs to a medieval barn in Somerset could cost upwards of £1m to complete, according to its trustees.

The Wells Recreation Ground Trust said significant work was needed to bring the Medieval Bishop’s Barn back to its former glory.

The 15th Century, Grade I listed building is a scheduled monument.

Mendip District councillor John North, said: “It’s sad this building has been allowed to deteriorate but it’s now time to try to do something about it.”

Originally a great barn, the stone building was part of the Bishop’s home farm and used for threshing and storing grain.

‘Traditional building methods’

Recently hired out as a venue for a range of events and activities, the building now needs work to install heating, repair the roof and restore flaking walls.

“We have to use materials which were used when the building was first built,” said Mr North, trust chair and Conservative councillor for Wells Central.

“Traditional building methods aren’t cheap so this potentially could be a multi-million pound project.”

A new board of trustees is to be set up in a bid to source the necessary funds for the restoration work.