Tithe Barn

BUCKFASTLEIGH

SX76NW GRANGE ROAD, Buckfast 1011-1/1/37 (South side) 10/01/51 Nos 1 AND 2 Tithe Barn

GV II

Formerly known as: Abbey Barn at Grange Farm GRANGE ROAD Buckfast. Barn to Buckfast Abbey. Probably late C13 in origin, reduced in width and height and, later (c1970s), converted to houses. Local grey limestone and slatestone rubble; slate roof, gabled at ends. Plan: sited at some distance from the abbey complex. Aligned west-east. A plan of 1935 by AW Everett indicates that the original south side wall has been demolished and rebuilt on a line further north. The barn was 7 bays with a central midstrey, the evidence of the original roof construction noted by Everett prior to the conversion indicated what would now be interpreted as a former base cruck roof. Everett also noted a former horse engine house to the north. EXTERIOR: the early medieval walls are battered rather than buttressed. The rear (north elevation) is the most complete and mostly blind to east of a projecting rear wing, now a 3rd house. Small, secondary doorway in centre of exposed rear wall. End walls extend to their full medieval width, according to Everett's plan, but the southern parts are now garden walls to the houses. South elevation has seven C20 small-pane casements and C20 ground-floor windows and doors, including a garage door. East end wall not seen externally but said by Everett to have at least 7 slits, 6 feet high with internal splays. INTERIOR: west end house partially inspected. This retains some chamfered stopped crossbeams from an early loft, although the date is uncertain. Roof: not inspected but said to be modern timbers. The archaeological evidence for the roof form, noted by Everett, may still survive inside the barn. Although severely and insensitively altered this is an important medieval survival and another significant medieval building in the Buckfast Abbey group.

Listing NGR: SX7373667418