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Origin and history

The barn at the dimes of Perrières is a 13th century monastic barn in the commune of Perrières, Calvados, Normandy. It is associated with the Benedictine priory of Perrières, founded in the 11th century, which developed rapidly until the 13th century before losing its importance. The building, built of limestone and Caen stone, is 30 meters long and 8,50 meters wide, with six arcades in its nave.

Sold as a national property during the French Revolution, the barn was abandoned until the end of the 19th century. It was restored at the beginning of the 20th century, but suffered a fire in December 2013, destroying its roof. A new restoration took place in 2017. Ranked a historical monument by decree of 2 April 1947, it illustrates Norman medieval religious and agricultural architecture.

Historical sources mention its link with the Benedictine priory of Perrières, whose influence declined after the 13th century. The building, now protected, remains a testimony of the monastic economic organization, where tithes (taxes in kind) were stored. Its stone structure and imposing dimensions reflect its central role in medieval local life.

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