The Abbey Barn Glastonbury

Standing tall as a testament to medieval England's agricultural prowess, The Abbey Barn Glastonbury boasts a rich history and architectural grandeur. Built in the 1340s, it served as one of five tithe barns belonging to Glastonbury Abbey, a powerful religious institution at the time. Its exceptional construction reflects the abbey's wealth and importance, evident in the use of locally-quarried limestone, intricate stone carvings featuring the symbols of the four Evangelists, and a magnificent two-tier raised base-cruck roof constructed from oak, elm, and chestnut, and sup[porting a robust covering of heavy stone tiles.

Today, the Abbey Barn is no longer solely focused on storing produce. It forms the centerpiece of the Somerset Rural Life Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past lives and practices of rural Somerset. Established in the late 20th century, the museum uses the barn and surrounding buildings to showcase reconstructions of rural life from the 1800s onwards. Through various exhibits, visitors can explore the evolution of farming tools and techniques, domestic life, and the changing landscape of rural communities.

The Abbey Barn itself continues to be a marvel, with its impressive size (93 feet long and featuring two central porches) and intricate details showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Its transformation into a museum space allows visitors to not only appreciate its architectural beauty but also gain deeper insights into the history and culture of the region it has served for centuries. Visit The Abbey Barn and the Somerset Rural Life Museum as part of a tour of Glastonbury. Most of the tours are customisable, so if you want to visit the barn then just ask your tour guide and we are sure they will be able to build a visit in to your itinerary.