The History of Wellington Barn

Wellington Barn is situated in the heart of the beautiful downlands of North Wiltshire, in the tiny village of Calstone-Wellington, between Calne and Marlborough, and was once part of the Bowood estate. It can tell quite a story over its lifetime of nearly 300 years. From rustic workplace to wonderful, modern function venue, it has stood serene in the glorious Wellington Valley.

The Barn first appears on a map in the mid - 1700s and was originally a thatched building used for storing grain, probably in sheaves, then later threshed and bagged up there.

The yard behind, with its two adjacent skillings (or shelters) was the home of the oxen, which were used to pull the rudimentary farm machinery of the time. The stalls, where the oxen were fed, now comprise the bar!

These areas were also used for lambing and shearing sheep at other times of the year, right up until the 1970s when the yard was covered over and used for housing cattle.

A  great storm with hurricane winds, on a Christmas Day, in the late 1980s, badly damaged the Barn, blowing away the skilling, on the side which is now the kitchen area. The building became redundant, and it began to deteriorate.

It continued to serve good purpose for various village parties for a while and how, in its virtually raw state, the first wedding came about there in 2002, is a whole other story.

In 2005, the pressing need for farming to diversify led to the conversion of Wellington Barn into the wonderful wedding venue it is today. It has been lovingly restored, keeping many of the original features, including the high vaulted ceilings and oak beams. The Old Barn granary serves as a ceremony room, dance floor, and an intimate space for smaller functions. Walking through to the Main Barn (the old yard) you can fully appreciate the breathtaking views of the stunning, surrounding countryside – come rain or shine – through the panoramic windows which span the whole of one side. The room has a real ‘Wow factor’ with traditional wood-panelled walls, dramatic lighting and hessian-draped ceiling. This room can seat 180 + people in a variety of forms: either restaurant, banqueting or theatre style. Wellington Barn also benefits from a fully stocked and spacious bar, a dressing room, a lounge area, and a large, private car park.

Wellington Barn offers the perfect venue, rustic but elegant, completely exclusive to you and your guests for your unique event.

The peaceful surroundings can be enjoyed throughout the day on the south-facing terrace and surrounding grounds, which include the fabulous wildflower meadow (in bloom from May to September). There is also the secluded oak gazebo, which can also be used for outdoor ceremonies. All in all, it provides a fantastic backdrop to your event, whatever the weather.

The Maundrell family have been traced back to the late 1400s, living and farming in Wiltshire. A branch of that family came to Calstone around the same time that Wellington Barn was built, and the 5th., 6th., and 7th. generations continue to live and farm here now.

Wellington Barn is well into its 16th. year and continues to develop and grow successfully.

It has become a multi-award winning business and Team who cannot wait to welcome you. Contact them today to find out how you can be provided with the perfect place and exemplary service for your special event.