An exceptional example of a grange barn with interior cruck frames made of oak. A rare find.
Leigh Court Barn (The Great Barn) is one of the largest and longest surviving cruck barns in the UK. It was built as early as 1325 AD and was constructed as part of the original Leigh Court Manor which was owned by the Benedictine monks of Pershore Abbey. It is some 43 metres (141 ft) in length, 10.4 metres (34 ft) wide and 10 metres (33 ft) tall. Built on a sandstone plinth that is now largely hidden by brick, the walls are timber frame and although they were once sealed with wattle and daub they are now infilled with brick. The magnificent roof is supported by massive crucks, each one made from a single oak tree. There are four large doors, two on each side to provide access and much needed ventilation during the medieval threshing process.
In the decades before Leigh Court Barn was built the Abbey at Pershore had been through a period of misfortune including a disastrous fire. However, Adam de Harvington, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1327-30 appears to have come to the rescue and gifted generously to the order who were able to embark on a program of rebuilding and restoration. The size and grandness of the grange barn strongly suggests that the manor was producing excellent yields and was probably quite wealthy.
The barn is one of the finest examples in existence but it is easy to miss. The parking is limited to a couple of small laybys and access is through a small gate next to the main gates. A gravel path leads you around a stone outbuilding and through another gate and steps to a grassed courtyard in front of the barn. There is a small wooden door on the far right that can be opened to access the building. The inside of the barn seems huge and there are information displays as well what looks like the original barn equipment. This is a remarkable place that deserves a visit especially as it is free entry.
Access to the Barn is usually between 10:00am and 4:00pm during the winter months and between 10:00am and 6:00pm during all other times. Leigh Court Barn is in the care of English Heritage.
ADDRESS & CONTACT
Brockamin Lane, Leigh, Worcestershire, England – WR6 5LB
POSTCODES
Sat Nav Postcode: WR6 5LB
Sat Nav Postcode Parking: WR6 5LB
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