Winterbourne Medieval Barn

Explore this celebrated heritage site

An intriguing medieval site

Winterbourne Medieval Barn is a building of national importance. Built in 1342, just a few years before the Black Death swept across England, the barn is an extraordinary survivor of our medieval past. It was commissioned by Thomas de Bradeston, who was Lord of the Manor of Winterbourne from 1328 until his death in 1360.

Major building works have recently been completed with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and many other generous funders and donors to revitalise the whole Barn complex into a community heritage site promoting the knowledge of medieval history, its architecture, agricultural landscape and people.

What happens at the Barn

As a multi-purpose venue we host a range of activities for the local community including family activities, music and theatre performances, craft workshops, a monthly lecture series, and our flagship events the Medieval Fayre and Orchard Harvest Days.

The Barn makes a unique and beautiful setting for a magical wedding day and is available for hire all year round. The Barn and seminar rooms can also be hired for celebration events, film shoots, and meetings. Get in touch to find out more.

Next Events

Click here to go to our full event listing page.

ZOOM TALK: A Day in the Life of a Medieval Knight and Peasant

Date: 6th May 2025

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Online

Learn More & Book

This ticket is to view the talk online over Zoom. Please buy one ticket per device. The viewing link will be sent out at least 1 hour before the start time.
To book a ticket to view this talk in person at The Barn, please click here.

We are delighted to welcome back Company of Chivalry to The Barn.
Previously seen at our Medieval Fayres as the living history re-enactment troupe, this time they will be presenting an entertaining and informative talk on the daily lives of a medieval peasant and knight!

What were the real differences between the daily life of a noble lord and a humble peasant in 14th century England?. From getting up in the morning to going to bed – what might it really have been like?
Come with us as we bring to life the daily routine – with props, costume and interaction. Feel the weight of the sword versus the ewer, try on articles of clothing, even taste the delicacies of Medieval England. All brought to life by two experienced speakers with the aid of an audience welcomed to step back in time.

Please note: zoom participants will not have the same opportunity for interaction or to see / feel the props up close, but the speakers will do their best to show them to the online audience and there will still be the chance for online viewers to submit questions to the speakers.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Opera in The Barn: Madame Butterfly

Date: 9th May 2025

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn

Learn More & Book

We are delighted to welcome back Tessitoura Opera to entertain us with their touring production of Puccini’s “Madam Butterfly” complete with live chamber orchestra accompaniment.

Madame Butterfly, an opera by Giacomo Puccini, tells the tragic story of Cio-Cio San, a young Japanese geisha, and her ill-fated romance with American naval officer Pinkerton.
Pinkerton marries Cio-Cio San in a traditional Japanese ceremony, viewing the union as temporary, while Cio-Cio-San believes it is genuine, forsaking her culture and family for love.
Pinkerton leaves for America, promising to return, while Cio-Cio-San waits faithfully, raising their child. The story unfolds when years later, Pinkerton returns with his American wife.

For musical fans, you may recognise this plot from Miss Saigon, which took it’s inspiration from this heart-breaking opera.
The opera is a poignant exploration of cultural clash, and the devastating consequences of betrayal, set against a richly emotional musical backdrop.

This performance will be in English language.

Tessitoura was founded in 2010 to share the joy and excitement of opera. The company soon became known for unique and intimate performances, accompanied by a chamber orchestra to create an authentic opera experience with a sense of connection between performers and audience.

Parking is free and will be at The Barn (BS36 1SE). Space is limited so please follow the instructions from our parking stewards on arrival. There is plenty of bicycle parking and space for drop off / pick ups at The Barn if you are able to arrange this. Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles.

We have toilets on site, including a fully accessible toilet and baby changing facilities.

The Barn Bar will also be open serving a small selection of drinks and snacks. Cash and card payments are accepted.

Seating will be unreserved.
If you need specific accessible seating or accessible parking then please email ceara.foley@winterbournebarn.org.uk in advance to arrange this.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

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Weddings

We’re now taking enquiries and bookings for wedding celebrations. The Barn and grounds make a spectacular backdrop for a special occasion. At Winterbourne Medieval Barn you have the flexibility to create an event that is as unique as you are. Check out our weddings page for more information.