Re-thatching the Threshing Barn

Aim: to re-thatch the Museum’s historic threshing barn and provide safe public access.

The threshing barn dates from the 16th century and was constructed to thresh the grains of corn from their stalks, originally by hand using a flail. The barn is a three bay cruck building with a central threshing floor and two flanking storage bays. It is constructed from wood with a flagstone floor and thatched roof.

Over the years the thatch has deteriorated and is now in need of replacement. The Museum will use an approved thatcher who is experienced in working on historic buildings. The work will take approximately 6 weeks to complete and would take place in the spring when the weather has improved.