PEOPLE visiting Dunster’s newly reopened Tithe Barn will be made aware of the continuing need to socially distance – with Medieval inspired signage.

The coronavirus pandemic is not the first to be inflicted on Dunster. In 1645, the Plague spread from Minehead via the castle barracks and the death rate in Dunster increased five-fold.

Folklore has it that, in West Street, residents knocked holes through adjoining walls so they could travel the length of the street indoors, away from the infected air outside. Some of these doors are still visible in houses today.

Plague Doctors wore PPE – full protective clothing made from waxed canvas and a long beak-like mask – and they wielded a cane. 

The mask had glass eye shields and plenty of room in front of the nose area for stuffing-in sweet smelling dried herbs and spices to mask the putrefying smells.  The cane was used to check for a pulse without touching the body.

Precautions being taken in Dunster today are more in tune with the 21st century – but also set to become part of the village’s history.

“Signage reminding people about social distancing will inevitably become part of the scenery over time and lose its impact,” said Martin Clarke, manager of the Tithe Barn. 

“I’m hoping that our in-keeping signage will engage people and the historical snippets we have found out about past pestilences in Dunster will be of interest” As well as being a community hall, the Tithe Barn is a popular wedding and event venue.

With the majority of 2020 weddings put back to 2021, the Tithe Barn is launching four new events later in the year to get the Barn ‘back on the map’.

* Delicious Dunster – an artisan food and drink fayre;

* Yarn in the Barn – a stitching, wool and yarn craft experience;

* Festive Flea – a vintage jumble of just about anything;

* Festive Fayre – Christmas food and gifts inspiration,

For more information, get in touch with Martin by email [email protected] or phone 07983 822683.