Fresh thatch for 15th century barn on at-risk list

Work has begun to rescue a 15th Century barn in east London from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

Tithe Barn in Upminster, which is one of the largest thatched barns in Britain at 44m (144.4ft) long, is having its roof re-thatched.

The structure was identified as being at risk and added to the register in 2023.

About 11,000 bundles of water reed will be used on the building, with a pair of thatched boxing hares added as finials on top of the roof.

Tithe Barn is protected as a scheduled monument, the highest level of heritage protection.

It dates from about 1450, when England was in the midst of an economic crisis known as the Great Slump.

This played a part in civil uprisings and the outbreak of civil war in 1455 between the Houses of Lancaster and York, subsequently known as the War of the Roses.

The restoration project is the work of National Highways, the London Borough of Havering, Historic England and the Lower Thames Crossing scheme.

Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said the start of the thatching marked an exciting milestone in the restoration.

"As the owners of Tithe Barn, Havering is very proud to have this building as part of the borough's very proud history," he said.

"The works being carried out will mean we can keep another part of our heritage alive for our residents now and for future generations to come."

The new thatched roof is expected to last between 50 and 60 years.

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