In medieval times, the most senior clerics attached to the cathedral
were the canons, who made up the chapter.They often lived
elswhere,So appointed so-called `vicar`s choral` to deputise for
them,In Lincoln,special quarters were built for the senior vicars on
the south side of the close-hence the name Vicar`s Court.It dates
from the 1200`s.
The tithe Barn dates from the 1440`s and was originally part of the Vicars` Court.
Its buttresses give it a sturdy look, but it was badly damaged during the civil war,
as was Vicars `Court and many other buildings in the close.Cronwell`s troops
stormed through this area,treating cathedral property as enemy property.
A tithe (from Old English teogoža "tenth") is a one-tenth part of something,
paid as a (usually) voluntary contribution or as a tax or levy, to support a Christian
religious organization.Historically tithes could be paid in kind, such as agricultural products.
The Tithe barn was probably a warehouse.Tithes could be paid in goods
as well as coins,which could have been recieved and stored here.Decorative
features inside suggest that at one time it may have been an imfirmary(Hospital)
or refectory(Dining Room); in more recent times it did indeed serve as a dining room and
kitchen of the Lincoln girls` School,just below it on the hillside.
Tithe Barn & Vicar's Court
© 2008, thebettahalf.co.uk
