Built as a large threshing barn for the Bishops of Worcester during the 14th Century, the building is made from local Cotswold stone and features a double entrance and superb timber frame interior. The overall size of the barn is roughly 130 x 40 feet making it one of the largest surviving examples. Given the sheer size of Bredon Barn, it is remarkable that it has survived to this day and is testimony to the amount of grain that the region was producing. There is some debate whether it was also used as a tithing barn but this remains uncertain.
It is located on at the edge of the village of Bredon and just 100m from the banks of the River Avon. It has hardly changed over the centuries and allows the visitor a remarkable view back through the centuries. It’s worth looking out for the unusual stone chimney cowling and fascinating carpentry.
The interior timber supports are very reminiscent of those found in churches from the period and are extremely strong as they need to support the large and heavy Cotswold stone slabs used for the roof. External stairs lead to a room above one of the entrances which may have been used as a solar for the local official in charge of the Barn.
There is a much-supported local legend that William Shakespeare actually used the barn as a theatre whilst touring the country to promote his plays. This is quite believable as Stratford upon Avon is only 18 miles from Bredon.
Access to Bredon Barn is free but can be a little difficult to find if you don’t know that it is there. As such, it is an often overlooked gem hidden in the Worcestershire countryside. Bredon Barn is in the care of the National Trust and was extensively restored around 1983.
Bredon Barn is usually open every day from dawn till dusk. Please check with the National Trust website for exact opening times. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/place-pages/47/pages/opening-times-calendar.
Bredon Barn, B4080 (road), Bredon, Worcestershire, England – GL20 7EG
Sat Nav Postcode: GL20 7EG
Sat Nav Postcode Parking: GL20 7EG
There's parking at the venue but this is largely unpaved and can be a little muddy after it has rained. The parking is accessed via a lane connecting to the B4080 road directly opposite the Sat Nav postcode destination. Please note that the barn is directly adjacent to a farm which is private property and not accessible to visitors.
Bredon Barn is usually open every day from dawn till dusk. Please check with the National Trust website for exact opening times. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/place-pages/47/pages/opening-times-calendar.
1 Reviews
This site is not to be recommended. It is smelly and dirty from nesting birds which also fly at your head. The steps to the room upstairs are dangerous and there is no handrail, and this room is also horrid. This lack of maintenance by the NT is regrettable. They are obviously more interested in profit than preservation. But it is a heritage gem.
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