Harmondsworth barn in west London, a timber built grade I listed building, has been saved by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (English Heritage) from neglect and decay after they bought it for £20,000.
The barn, dubbed as the "cathedral of Middlesex" by the late poet laureate Sir John Betjeman due to its internal appearance resembling a cathedral, was built in 1426 by Winchester College from 13 large oak trusses resting on stone blocks holding up the roof. It was originally designed to hold grain, but has fallen into neglect since an off-shore company bought it in 2006 and seemed only to be interested in land values as opposed to historical and architectural significance.
Due to the neglect, English Heritage had to issue an urgent works' notice in 2009 in order to carry out emergency repairs to make the barn wind and water tight. They then purchased the barn, adding it to its impressive national heritage collection, which includes the likes of Hadrians Wall, Westminster Abbey and Stonehenge.
The day-to-day care of the barn, and the opening of the barn to the public, will now be handled by the Friends of the Great Barn at Harmondsworth campaign group, which has campaigned for 6 years to save it.
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said, "Harmondsworth Barn is one of the greatest medieval buildings in Britain, built by the same skilled carpenters who worked on our magnificent medieval cathedrals. It's rescue is at the heart of what English Heritage does - protecting this nation's architectural treasures and helping people discover our national story through them. We will complete the repair of this masterpiece and by working with local people, will open it to the public to enjoy."
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