Works are continuing on the major restoration of the 570-year-old historic Tithe Barn in Upminster.
The full re-thatching of the roof has now begun.
Funding for the works comes from a grant of £650,000 from National Highways via the Lower Thames Crossing scheme and an additional grant of £97,664 awarded by Historic England.
The project aims to remove the Tithe Barn from Historic England's Heritage at Risk register by addressing urgent repairs.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering, said:
“We’re delighted to be working together with National Highways, Historic England, the Lower Thames Crossing scheme and all our partners, to help restore Tithe Barn.
“The start of the thatching works is an exciting milestone and will be a stunning feature of the barn when the restoration is completed.
“As the owners of Tithe Barn, Havering is very proud to have this building as part of the borough’s very proud history.
“The works being carried out will mean we can help keep another part of our heritage alive for our residents now and for future generations to come.”
As well as full re-thatching, the works also include structural timber and brickwork repairs to the building.
The building itself has been dated to 1430-1450 and is a Scheduled Monument. It is one of the earliest surviving buildings in the borough.
Dr Steve Sherlock, Heritage Advisor for the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, said:
“As well as being recognised as a building of historical significance the Tithe Barn in Upminster,
"It plays a fundamental part in helping to preserve our heritage and educate future generations of our collective history.
“The barn dates from around 1450 and is originally part of the Waltham Abbey estate.
"It is thatched with Norfolk reed and at 44 metres long is one of the largest thatched barns in Britain. The re-thatching is no mean feat for the team of specialists.”
Dr Jane Sidell, Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments, Historic England, added:
“Securing the support of National Highways has been instrumental in getting the repair and restoration of this exceptionally important building off the ground.
"By working together we have developed a conservation scheme that will secure the Tithe Barn’s future and remove it from the Heritage at Risk Register.”
The project of works are being carried out by Lexden Contracts Ltd with experts from specialists Essex Oak Frame and Simply Thatch, alongside specialist consultants from Purcell UK, Stace LLP and Conisbee.