The Priory barn was built in 1541 by James Needham, the King's carpenter. The

barn is 100 feet long and 40 feet wide with nine bays on each side. Local oak cut

down in the winter of 1540 was used in its construction. The huge trusses which

support the weight of the enormous roof are of the Queen Post type with curved

braces and jowelled posts to support them.

The Priory itself was founded in about 1203 by Richard Argentein, a Norman

knight associated with the order of warrior monks known as the Knights Templar

who had their Engilish headquarters not far away in Baldock. Wymondley Priory

was an Augustinian foundation, the monks being known as Austin or Black

Canons.