Wednesday 25th April 2012
On a damp, Wednesday, 25th April 2012, twenty-four members of Salisbury Civic Society paid a visit to Tisbury, where Rex Sawyer, who is an author actively involved with the Tisbury History Society, acted as guide.
The first port of call was the Church of St. John the Baptist. The original Norman church was built between 1180 and 1200, with many changes and additions since then. There were strong connections with the Arundell family. In the churchyard there is a yew tree which is more than 1,000 years old, and a thirteenth century cross on an 18th century stem. The parents of Rudyard Kipling are buried here.
After a welcome cup of tea with home-made cakes at the South Western Hotel, members of the Salisbury Civic Society moved on to the splendid Tithe Barn at Place Farm, Tisbury. Supposedly the largest (though not the longest) tithe barn in England, it is some 200 feet long. It dates from the 15th century. It is part of the group at Place Farm which includes the farmhouse and gatehouses, considered one of the finest groups of monastic grange buildings in England. The tithe barn is believed to have the largest single expanse of thatch in the country. Members of Salisbury Civic Society were very fortunate in being able to enter it and view the magnificent high triple tie beams bracing the raised cruck roof timbers.
It was a most enjoyable visit and thanks were given to Mr. Sawyer for his expert guidance.