Piece of medieval history for sale at knockdown price

But anyone who buys the 14th century tithe barn at Easington in Holderness may find development opportunities limited.

The listed building will go under the hammer at a property auction on September 16 at a guide price of 125,000.

The barn, at the rear of Rectory Farm, next to All Saints Church in the village, would have once been used to store tithes paid to the church as a tax – equivalent to one-tenth of the villagers' produce.

It is now a scheduled ancient monument, with the highest level of protection that can be given to any building or site.

However auctioneers Eddisons say there may be potential for limited residential conversion of various listed outbuildings, subject to consents, which would need to be linked to the future conservation of the barn.

The barn is built of brick, with timber interior arcades and a straw thatched roof.

The property as a whole lies outside the village development limit boundary and is classed as open countryside.

Tony Webber, of auctioneers Eddisons, said: "This is highly unusual property with strong historical significance in an attractive location."

The manager of the Humber Archaeology Partnership Dave Evans said: "For this area it is a unique survival – although you do get good examples in the south of England in Essex and Gloucestershire."

A total of 125 lots are scheduled to come under the hammer including commercial, residential, land and ground rents.

The two-day sale is taking place at Leeds United FC on September 16 and the Fairways Lodge and Leisure Club, Prestwich, Manchester, on September 21. Both sales start at noon.

The full catalogue is available to view online at www.eddisons.com.