Heathrow expansion ‘is threat to England’s largest surviving medieval barn’
Exclusive: campaigners warn 600-year-old New Barn at Harmondsworth could be ‘shaken to pieces’ by vibrations Six hundred years after it was built, England’s largest surviving medieval timber-framed barn could now be “shaken to pieces” by aircraft vibrations, campaigners warn. The public has until 1 September to submit objections to the Heathrow airport expansion, which could threaten the survival…
On September 1st, the public can submit objections to the proposed expansion of Heathrow airport, which could potentially harm England's largest surviving medieval barn. The six-hundred-year-old New Barn at Harmondsworth, built in 1426, is under threat from aircraft vibrations. Measuring nearly 60 meters long, 12 meters wide and 11 meters tall, the barn features 13 massive oak trusses supporting its roof.
English Heritage, which bought the barn in 2011, is hosting a major conference in September. Justine Bayley, English Heritage's former archaeological scientist, expressed concern that the barn could be "shaken to pieces" by the vibrations from airplanes taking off. The boundary of the extended airport is barely a few hundred meters away from the barn.
The government is currently consulting on amendments to the Heathrow expansion national policy statement, seeking comments. The Barn is considered a remarkable example of medieval architecture, with 95% of its original timbers still intact. Christian Hughes, whose Longford home will be demolished if the third runway goes ahead, fears for the barn's survival due to heightened vibrations from passing aircraft.
The debate over the expansion plans is ongoing, with various stakeholders expressing their concerns and hopes for the future of this significant historical structure.
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