The Tithebarn

The Tithebarn

The Tithebarn has been a part of life in Melling since the mid-18th century, when it was built to house the tithe due to the Rector of Halsall.

Originally, there would have been two large barn doorways facing each other, constructed to allow hay carts to be driven into the barn. At harvest time, the corn was brought in and stored in the side bays. During the winter months, it was gradually threshed by flailing on the hard central floor and then winnowed by being tossed in the draught between the open doorways.

Eventually, the barn was used as a coach house when the adjacent Vicarage was built in the 19th century. After the First World War (1914–1918), it was rejuvenated by local labour and used as a Parish Room.

In 1974, the Tithebarn was modernised. Today, it serves as St Thomas’ church hall and community centre, continuing to serve the community nearly 200 years on.