15
The Long Room
The building you are now looking at is known as The Long Room and was used for both church and secular functions. The original purpose of the building is not known for certain but it is likely to be the last survivor of 3 barns once owned by the church estate and may have collected tithes (one tenth of annual produce or earnings, formerly taken as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy). Its origins are 17th century.
The Usage
By the mid-1800s it was used as the church hall and was the venue for a wide range of activities. This poster from 1866 gives an example.
By the mid-20th century it was just being used as a store room and was finally sold as a private residence in 1980.
The Buildings
Here is a before and after shot when the long room was reconstructed to make it suitable to live in. Many of the original features were lost. Below is a photo taken during the re-construction.
Continue along Cornwall Street to the footpath/cut-through on your right.
