Winterbourne Court Farm Barn is a grade II* listed 14th century tithe barn – an outstanding and unique example of its type. Situated on the outskirts of Winterbourne, it is close to the 12th century parish church.
The Winterbourne Mediaeval Barn Trust was founded in 2000 with support from South Gloucestershire Council, Community Action and Winterbourne Parish Council. English Heritage, a landfill tax grant and South Gloucestershire Council provided funding to restore the roof of the main barn following the compulsory purchase of the complex made by the council in 1998. The trust has been a registered charity since December 2005 and is applying for funding to fully restore the buildings and bring them into full community use. It is estimated that this work will cost in the region of £1.5 million. The trust holds regular events and open days at the barn, giving local people the chance to see the historic building.
The trust's aim is to restore and regenerate the historic barn complex as a centre for rural regeneration and heritage education that brings together past and present to inform and inspire a wide range of users and reconnect communities with food, place and landscape. Rural workshop space will also be provided for small businesses. This will help to secure the long-term future of the barn, preserving and providing access to a building of unique and architectural significance.
If you are interested in helping with this project or finding out about events at the barn, you could: - Join the trust
- Join the Friends of Winterbourne Barn
- Send a donation towards the building repairs
- Help to promote events being held at the barn
Contact
Richard Spalding
Honorary Secretary
Winterbourne Mediaeval Barn Trust
3, Huckford Road
Winterbourne
South Gloucestershire BS36 1DZ
Tel: 01454 885968
Email: richardspalding@blueyonder.co.uk
Winterbourne Willows
Winterbourne Willows has its workshop at Court Farm Barn. A hurdle maker obviously requires a large amount of willow (withies) and Winterbourne Willows has its specially grown and sorted for them on the Somerset Levels.
It is harvested annually between the months of October and February and is a totally sustainable crop.
For more information see the link under 'Other websites'.
Events 2007
The first public event at the barn this year will be a talk at 7.30pm on Wednesday May 2nd by Rupert Newman from Westwind Oak Buildings. The barn will be illuminated to allow Rupert, who is an entertaining speaker, to draw comparisons between the skills and secrets of the 14th century carpenters who built the barn and the design of contemporary timber-frame buildings. Entry will cost £3.
Then, on Sunday May 20th, from 10:00am until 3.30pm, the local Friends of the Earth group will be running a 'climate change roadshow' at the barn.
See 'Read more' on the right-hand side of this page to read more.