Upminster Tithe Barn

The Upminster Tithe Barn is a medieval agricultural building in Upminster, part of the London Borough of Havering. Dating from around 1450, it was once part of Hall Farm and belonged to Waltham Abbey before passing to secular owners after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. The barn was used for farming until the area became suburban in the 20th century. It has been owned by local authorities since 1937 and was listed as a scheduled monument in 1971. The barn is worth visiting for its historical significance and the recent restoration work. A fire in 1973 damaged the roof, leading to repairs and its conversion into a small museum in 1976. The museum operated until early 2024, closing after nearly five decades. In 2023, the building was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register due to urgent roof repairs, prompting a £650,000 grant from National Highways and additional funding from Historic England. Visitors would find a large timber-framed barn with a thatched roof, reflecting its medieval origins. The surrounding area includes around 30 acres of land, once part of the farm. Nearby, Upminster station provides access, with bus routes 248 and 346 serving the location. The barn itself remains closed as of mid-2025 while further improvements are completed.