Houghton Regis
Tithe Barn
Places > Houghton Regis > Barns
The Tithe Barn was most probably built in the 14th or 15th century. Most churches in the Middle Ages had a tithe barn somewhere on Church land. In it was put all the offerings (known as tithes) that the villages brought to God at harvest time. Every villager had to give a tenth (tithe) of what he/she had grown or reared to the priest. This would be stored in the tithe barn until needed. Sometimes the priest kept the produce for himself, and sometimes it was given away to the poor of the parish.
Page last updated: 16th August 2008
