Archaeologists working on the restoration of Dunster's medieval Tithe Barn have uncovered ancient finds pre-dating the barn.
The remains of substantial walls have been unearthed during the final phase of work on the 16th century structure. Consisting of two main walls, an area of paving and fragments of medieval glazed ridge tiles, they were almost certainly associated with the former Benedictine Priory of Dunster, in existence by 1177, in the grounds of which the barn now stands.
County archaeologist, Bob Croft, said the finds suggest a wealth of history below the surface. "This shows there is considerable potential for the survival of more medieval remains associated with the Priory," he said. "This is something that any future development in this area will have to be sensitive to."The finds have been recorded in detail and grassed over for safekeeping.
The final stage of the £450,000 scheme to restore the Tithe Barn involves laying paving to the barn's west door entrance and linking it with the adjoining village gardens. Drainage works are also being undertaken and they have been revised to avoid damaging the archaeological deposits.
Tithe barns were used in the Middle Ages to store farm produce that had to be given to the church. A barn was first recorded on the Dunster site in 1498 and the present example is thought to date from 16th century. It was falling into disrepair until the restoration project began in late 2005.
The Tithe Barn stands within the precinct of the former Benedictine Priory of Dunster, a part of the much larger Benedictine Abbey of Bath. In existence by 1177, the Priory was sold by the Crown to the Luttrell family, owners of Dunster Castle in 1543. The nearby Parish Church of St George, Dovecote and Priory House also date from this medieval period.
The restoration has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, with match funding coming from Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council, charitable trusts and many local people and organisations. A formal opening ceremony of the barn as a community centre, with meeting room and reception area, is due to take place in May.
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