"The Tithebarn was built in the mid 18th century to house the tithe which was due to the Rector of Halsall, “whose income arises from the tithes of the Township of Halsall, Downholland, Lydiate, Male and Melling”, to quote from “The Advowson of 1793” in Canon Bullough's book on Halsall.

A study of the construction of the barn reveals that originally there were two great barn doorways facing each other. These would enable hay carts to be driven into the barn. At harvest time the corn was brought to the barn and stored in the side bays. During the winter months it was gradually threshed by flailing on the hard central floor and then winnowed by being tossed in the draught between the open doorways.

It eventually became used as a coach house when the adjacent Vicarage was built in the 19th century and after the 1914 -18 war was rejuvenated by local labour and used as a Parish Room.

Its renovation and extension in 1974 enabled the founding of the Arts Association, which promotes performances of music and drama for the benefit of the people of Melling and the surrounding area."

Taken from the notes of Dr Edward E Newton MBE

	Melling Tithebarn Arts Association are delighted to have the use of the old Tithebarn for their productions.
Sympathetically modernised in 1974, the old tithebarn serves as St Thomas' church hall and community centre. (Line Drawing by David Lee)
	The Tithebarn Arts Association organise concerts and events featuring mainly local musicians and performers.
Tucked away off Tithebarn Lane, the barn can be a little tricky to find, especially in the dark. Click here to get a detailed map of the area.