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.