The Barn
A Home of Their Own
A major part of the concept of the Trust was the provision of a settled
home--open and available to all--so that it could maintain a permanent
exhibition, a fully equipped Library and a permanent Curator.
The Club therefore purchased a remarkable building with an even longer
history than Aston Martin itself--the fifteenth-century barn at Drayton
St Leonard near Oxford. Much refurbishment of the property needed to
be done but it is here, in the most evocative of surroundings, that
the Trust houses its collection, sharing the new facility with the Club
which is its headquarters. Thus Club and Trust have come together in
what is an active centre and museum with easy access.
An Ideal Home for a Special Trust
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The great tithe barn at Drayton St Leonard was required to
hold tithes paid in kind for the support of church and clergy--and
it was built by the monks of Dorchester Abbey. Like the greater
part of the Abbey itself it dates from the fifteenth century and
may have been built as early as 1340. The monastic guest house
of the Abbey is now a museum and it seems appropriate that the
Barn should be assured of a similar future.
It is a particularly rare and fine example of a large mediaeval
timber-framed structure and is perhaps the most historic and best
preserved building of its kind. It is listed Grade II* and this
is what saved it, for none of the proposed alternative uses--suggested
over the years--has been able to promise retaining the main and
secondary framing in its original form. The massive elm frame
is in astonishingly good condition and many of the roof tiles
on its steep and substantial roof were re-used in the restoration.
The great advantage to the Club and Trust is that the huge beams
provide an open space with various bays but no internal divisions
and this gives great flexibility in layout. The walls are clad
with tarred elm boards and after refurbishment, using modern insulation
techniques, running costs are low. The open nature of the building
also assists in the installation of security and fire protection
measures. |
Restoration
To follow
Visiting
The Barn, which is an English Heritage site, is open to members and
non-members alike, and is open for visiting on Wednesday afternoons,
1.00pm - 5.00pm or at other times by prior appointment.
Hiring
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As a venue the Barn offers a unique location for meetings and
conferences, and has proved to be most attractive to event organisers
looking to find something out of the ordinary to attract and please
their guests. The Barn is available for private hire with seating
for up to 80 available. Catering arrangements can be put in place,
and conferencing equipment can also be arranged to suit the purpose
of the meeting.
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