Tales of walking, eating, watching and playing. Vintage treasures and simple pleasures ... the things that make her happy.

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Wedding Bells and the Great Tithe Barn

Wedding bells rang out on Saturday,
as Mr VJ's daughter married her beau,
in a tiny 13th century Somerset church.
Afterwards, they dined and danced in a Mediaeval style Grand Tithe Barn ...
Tithe barns were traditionally used in the Middle Ages
in northern Europe and the USA.
Tithes were stored in the barn ... one tenth of a farm's produce,
which had to handed over to support the church.  
The barn above, however, is used purely for functions and was built just five years ago.
It is believed to have been the first completely new construction of a tithe barn
for almost 300 years.
Built from locally quarried Ham stone it is an impressive building that glows in the sun.
You enter through 16ft tall oak doors and your eyes are immediately
 drawn to the vast vaulted oak ceiling.
All of the beams were hand cut and shaped, and even the joints are authentic,
with hand shaped wooden pegs holding the trusses together.  
Nine skilled local stonemasons crafted carved corbels and mullions.
Gothic chandeliers, blue lias flagstones 
and a gargantuan fireplace complete the authenticity.
However, underfloor heating, disabled toilet facilities, a bar, stage, performer's changing area and energy efficient light bulbs ensure that it is definitely a 21st century build!
The following day the newlyweds moved house.
As the new bride settles in,
her husband will be flying off to do his duty in Afghanistan.
Our love goes with him, along with prayers that he stay safe and return home soon. 





19 comments:

Unknown said...

It looks and sounds wonderful. I had my wedding reception nearly a year ago in a beautiful old tithe barn ours was hundreds of years old which lead it to be decorated well for our 50's style wedding I can't believe my 1st anniversary is coming up this month. Enjoy your week, dee xx

two squirrels said...

Oh what a beautiful building.....the craftsmanship.....ahhhh. I wish more amazing paces were being built like that. The reception must have been lovely.love v

Vix said...

What a beautiful location both inside and out. The day looked perfect, too. Here's to his safe return. xxx

The Dainty Dolls House said...

This is beautiful xx

Flaming Nora said...

Beautiful.

rusty duck said...

It looks lovely.
Best wishes to all and a safe tour of duty.

Outcast said...

Seems like such a wonderful and perfect day Jane, sigh, I could do with some wonderful and perfect in my life like this! Really wish the happy couple all the best, glad that they had such a special day.

homemade@myplace said...

Beautiful and all the best to the just married couple!
xxxxxx Ale

Barbara said...

How beautiful. I feel as if I should know where it is (living in Somerset as I do) but I can't place it.
I'm going to enjoy catching up on all the posts I missed while I was away. Thanks so much for visiting me today. Barbara x

Hesta Nesta said...

What a stunning place to get married. The Tithe barn is reallly beautiful. Wishing them all the best.
jo xx

Streetcomber said...

What an amazing venue. The church is very beautiful too.x

the woolly dog said...

Congratulations to the happy couple, a beautiful location to be married in!

Maria said...

~ Ooh I have missed you too, Mrs VJ! this post is so beautiful....and the Church and Tithe barn simply gorgeous...I bet you, as well as the beautiful bride looked stunning!
~ I wish them all the LOVE in the world as they start their lives together... And of course a safe tour of duty for the groom..Hugs and twinkly kisses **** Maria x

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning dearest one!

Now this setting is my dream. I am a Europhile in that I love the languages that issue out of this area, the architecture, the history, the décor, EVERYTHING! And the beams in that barn are what my husband and I would like to add to our great room, just for fun!

What a romantic wedding, and I pray for peace and long life for this newly married couple. Peace to you dear one. Anita

In My Wild Eden said...

The little church is awesome and the tithe barn is beautiful. It is so neat that they built it with that amazing ceiling and all. I would love to see it shining in the sun.

In My Wild Eden said...

The little church is awesome and the tithe barn is beautiful. It is so neat that they built it with that amazing ceiling and all. I would love to see it shining in the sun.

Madelief said...

Congratulations Jane!

What a beautiful barn to get married in. So romantic and full of history!

Hope they have a lovely honeymoon!

Madelief x

Sopa Azul said...

Wow, beautiful place! I love it. Hugs :D

thesnailgarden said...

Congratulations to the newlyweds. The barn looks an amazing place to hold a reception. Best wishes, Pj x