Stone Barns with Triangular Trusses

The majority of stone barns have triangular trusses, ie. Trusses with a pair of principal rafters joined together by a tie-beam at their bases. This is an extremely strong and stable shape with the outward pressure of the roof being countered by the tie beam. Most of the pressure on the walls is carried directly downwards and there is less likelihood of spreading although external buttresses may also be used.

This type of truss continues in barns from the Medieval period to the present day. In early barns the principal rafters and purlins may be supported by crown-posts, king-posts or queen posts. Later barns usually have king posts with raked struts from near the base of the king-post and often have iron fixings.

Ashleworth Tithe Barn