Leigh Court Barn: Largest Cruck Framed Structure In Britain
Leigh Court Barn in Somerset is an outstanding example of English medieval carpentry, and the largest cruck framed structure in Britain.
Because of its size and sturdy construction, the barn has survived largely unaltered for almost 700 years.
To be more precise, the barn is over 42 metres long, with trusses nearly 33 feet high and spanning 34 feet.
According to English Heritage, who manage and maintain it, radiocarbon dating has shown that the timbers for the barn were felled in the spring of 1344, which supports the evidence of carpentry techniques that date the barn to the 14th century.
The historic barn is the only surviving building from the manor of Leigh Court, a Grade 2 listed country house.
Originally, the site served as a place of rest for the monks of St Augustine's Abbey, which later became Bristol Cathedral.
After the dissolution of the monasteries, the property was granted to Sir George Norton, who constructed an Elizabethan mansion.
One of his descendants famously provided sanctuary to Charles II during his escape to France in 1651.
The original house was demolished and rebuilt during the Regency period by Philip John Miles, becoming the residence of the Miles baronets.
The mansion was home to an impressive collection of over a hundred paintings by various Old Masters.
The Leigh Court Barn is a fine survivor as there were once many other farm buildings and houses.
Inside, the barn's most striking features are the massive crucks, nine pairs of curved timbers resembling giant ribs that support the main structure.
Cruck construction was first adopted in the early 14th century, making this barn one of the largest and oldest surviving examples in Britain.
Each cruck’s shape reflects the unique form of the oak tree from which it was hewn.
Instead of directly supporting the ridge at the top, the crucks transfer the load to yokes and posts that accommodate the varying lengths of the timbers.
The primary weight of the roof is directed to the base wall through the crucks rather than resting solely on the outer walls.
Laterally, the crucks are interconnected by collar beams, which are reinforced by arched braces.
The timbers are joined using wooden pegs rather than nails or screws, with some pieces replaced during repairs in 1987–88.
Leigh Court Barn, like many medieval barns, served as a multifunctional agricultural space.
Primarily, these barns were used for the storage of harvested crops, particularly grains, which were crucial for sustenance and trade.
The large, open interiors allowed for ample storage and facilitated the drying and threshing processes.
Additionally, barns played a role in housing livestock and providing shelter for farming equipment, ensuring that everything needed for agricultural operations was conveniently located in one place.
Their sturdy construction was designed to withstand the elements, making them essential for the agricultural economy of the time.
Over the years, many medieval barns, including Leigh Court Barn, have also taken on new roles, often being repurposed for events, gatherings, and community activities.
Today, the barn is managed and maintained by English Heritage and is open to the pubic.
Someone who recently visited the barn said: “Definitely worth a visit (Free to all) to see this incredible wooden structure that was originally built in the early 1300s.
”Very atmospheric and we were the only ones there when we visited. Open till 6pm".”
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