Swinburne Tithe Barn

When we were out for a wander around the Swinburne area we came across this fascinating little building sitting on a small ridge.

We initially thought it was a chapel, but is actually a tithe barn. During the middle ages it would house farmer's contributions (or tythes) to sustain the local clergy, such as livestock and grain.

Although now abandoned, it is still in great condition, even through it was built way back in the 18th century. If you peek inside you can see stalls where cattle would have been.

The small ridge it stands on is actually part of the Great Whin Sill which has outcrops at Ratcheugh Observatory, Dunstanburgh Castle and also Lindisfarne on Holy Island.

Similar to the Bamburgh Lighthouse, it has an amusingly startled face!

Such a beautiful area and we had to send Red5 out for a look around.

There was a pretty little church (St. Mary's) nearby, where we parked, but unfortunately was locked so we couldn't glimpse inside.

And finally a view of the barn and church from the top of a little hill in the sheep field!