The Origins
The Manor of Frindsbury was demesne land of St.Andrew of Rochester, a foundation for secular canons, that was later made Benedictine by Lanfranc in 1077.
It is thought that the Barn was constructed as part of a wider monastic complex in around 1403, although it seems probable that the farmstead in its present location was established at least 100 years earlier.
The size and prestige of the Frindsbury Barn suggests that its primary use was for the storage of crops from the fertile arable land surrounding the farmstead, although in latter years it was also used to shelter livestock.
It remained with the Benedictine order until dissolution under Henry VIII in 1541, when the Manor was granted to the Dean & Chapter of Rochester. It was subsequently leased to a series of tenants, including Thomas Lamplugh, who was the Archbishop of York from 1688 to 1691.
For a more detailed account of Frindsbury Barn's history, we recommend that you download the Heritage Statement that has been produced by Canterbury Archaeological Trust by following this link.
The Timber Frame
The exemplary medieval timber frame, now Grade I listed, has been famously described by Rigold as "the Queen of Kent Barns" for very good reason. The exceptional length of the building and exquiste quality of the carpentry makes it one of the most significant ancient agricultural buildings in Great Britain.
The information below highlights some of the reasons why the Great Barn at Frindsbury is a unique example of early medieval craftsmanship and architecture and would have been an imposing statement of status and power in what was a predominantly agrarian economy.
The Fire of 2003
Tragically, a serious fire took hold on 22nd January 2003, the night of a national fire brigade strike, totally destroying the Barn’s four northern bays. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished by the army, using a 1950s Green Goddess engine, before it could cause further damage. Subsequently, the structure remained empty, vulnerable and disused. The Frindsbury Barn was then purchased by The Heritage Design & Development Team Ltd, who undertook to repair and re-build the barn, with the aim of securing its long term future.
The Reconstruction of 2019
The Heritage Design & Development Team Ltd appointed Dolmen Conservation & Joinery Ltd as principle contractor and The Moreton Partnership as supervising structural engineer to undertake a series of sympathetic repairs and the complete reconstruction of the north end of Frindsbury Barn. This work was undertaken to a very high standard and the project won the Commercial & Leisure category at the Wood Awards 2020.
Photographs and a video of this work being undertaken is available by following this link to our Gallery & Media page.
The Future
Further to many years of discussion and project development, The Heritage Design & Development Team Ltd obtained planning and listed building consent in 2021 for the sympathetic conversion and redevelopment of the Barn complex into a wedding and conference venue with overnight accommodation. The owners are also keen to promote the Barn as a hub for the local community, as well as being open to visitors from further afield and discussions are ongoing to establish the best way to achieve this.
The most important aspect of these proposals is that the Barn must be brought into commercial use to ensure a future income stream, enabling the Barn to fund its own preservation for generations to come.
Further details of the proposals can be found by following the link to the Design & Access Statement prepared by Clague Architects, under the expert guidance of DHA Planning Ltd.
