Aisled Barn Attached To North Of Stables At Melbourne Hall

The Aisled Barn attached to the north of the stables at Melbourne Hall is a Grade I listed structure, likely serving as a tithe barn. It dates back to the 15th century and has been encased in early 18th century and mid-19th century materials, with some minor later alterations. The barn features a timber frame with red brick side walls set on a stone plinth, and stone rubble gable walls topped with a steeply pitched plain tile roof, which includes roof lights on the eastern pitch.

This single-storey barn consists of seven bays. The west elevation showcases a pair of full-height double plank doors on the north side, accompanied by a small pane timber cross window to the south. Further south, there is a 19th-century segment-headed doorcase with a panelled door and seven similar cross windows, each fitted with a horizontal sliding sash below the transom. Additionally, there is a recessed full-height opening with double plank doors and another bay featuring glazed doors set within a glazed screen, topped by a gabled dormer with a plank door.

The east elevation is relatively plain, marked by numerous later abutments. Inside, the barn contains six substantial cross frames with queen post trusses, originally featuring single butt purlins, which have since been replaced with double purlins. The main posts are supported by arched braces on all sides, with the outer posts holding short aisle beams that are tenoned into the original wall plate, which remains at the top of the brickwork. A timber threshing floor is preserved beneath a later floor in the third bay from the north. Given that Melbourne Hall was constructed on the site of the original rectory, this barn is likely the tithe barn, rather than the one located at the west end of the church.