Nailsea’s image as a ‘new town’ largely constructed in the 1960s and 70s hides its rich historical past.

There has been a settlement in Nailsea since the Doomsday book recorded 28 subsistence farmers in 1086.

Holy Trinity Church dates from at least 1311 and the Tithe Barn is thought to have been built alongside in about 1480. The land was the highest point in Nailsea – above the surrounding floodplains.

The barn collected 10% of the farmers’ crops of wheat and barley as a ‘tithe’ or tax to the church. The crops were harvested 'green' and threshed in the barn when the grain was needed.

Tithes were only collected in monetary form as rent (rather than produce) after the Tithe Commutation Act in 1836. They were only abolished officially through legislation in 1936 and 1951!