For a long time, Harmondsworth great barn was under threat from neglect and the possible development of Heathrow’s third runway. Now it has been purchased by English Heritage. It has been repaired and can now be visited. Check the website for details.
It was built in 1426. It is a huge timber-framed, aisled barn. The outer cladding is of vertical planks rather than horizontal clapboard. Inside there are 12 bays with 12 huge oak trusses supporting the clay tile roof. It has three entrances which reach to the high eaves.
Historic England has published a comprehensive study of the barn: “The Great Barn of 1425-27 at Harmondsworth, Middlesex” by Edward Impey with Daniel Miles & Richard Lea.
