In 2013, archaeological excavations were carried out during the redevelopment of a site in the town centre. The archaeology team discovered the foundations of three sides of a substantial stone building aligned east to west. The walls, about one metre wide, are constructed of local limestone facing and limestone rubble infill. It was largely sealed by demolition rubbish, including extensive post-medieval roof tile and showed little evidence for medieval activity within the site, which is unusual considering its close proximity to the town centre.
The lack of domestic activity lead to the conclusion that this was a barn and from its proximity to the church, probably a tithe barn. Between 1043 and 1539 the Manor of Southam belonged to Coventry Priory, who would have taken the tithes.
When the archaeological team uncovered the foundations, they were recorded and photographed. The only floor to survive is an entrance on the southern side which has a cobbled surface. The exposed foundations were 18m. long and over 10m. wide, but it is thought that the barn would have originally been about 40m long.
From the evidence of buttresses it would have had a substantial oak roof, possibly a raised-cruck roof similar to nearby Swalcliffe or a simpler triangualr truss as at Ashleworth.
