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There’s more to sheds than meets the eye. They’ve got a rich history and have found new, practical uses in modern life. And these shed facts might change how you see them—let’s go through them, shall we?
Shed Facts You Might Find Interesting
Behind every shed is a mix of history, clever design, and stories worth sharing, including:
Centuries of history
Sheds didn’t appear out of thin air. In medieval England and across northern Europe, storerooms held grain, tools, and produce. These are often used as tithes owed to the church.
The classic aisled barn form began in the 12th – 13th centuries, like those used in monastic settings. Specific examples include:
- Middle Littleton Tithe Barn, built in the 13th or 14th century in Worcestershire.
- Bradford-on-Avon Tithe Barn in Wiltshire, dating to the 14th century (around the 1330s).
In areas with plenty of wood, barns were timber-framed. Where stone was easier to get, builders used that instead.
Over time, those large storerooms inspired simpler versions. They paved the way for smaller, everyday, turning into what we now call sheds.
‘Modern’ sheds
Fast forward to today, and sheds are far more than just storage boxes. Many come with insulation and double-glazed windows, with options to add electricity. And today, they aren’t just made of wood—metal and plastic are common too.
Sheds are still a go-to for storage, but many owners are adapting them for other uses. With the right upgrades, a shed can become a workshop, hobby space, or even a small garden bar.
Increased property value with sheds
In the UK, a well-maintained shed can increase your property’s value by approximately 5% to 10%. This is especially true if it’s in good condition and complements the overall look of your garden.
Read this guide to learn more: Does a Shed Add Value to Your Home
Unusual Shed Facts
But wait, there’s more! Some of the world’s best-known companies started small. Many began in sheds before becoming household names.
- IKEA: Ingvar Kamprad launched IKEA in 1943 from his family’s garden shed in Sweden, starting with mail-order goods before moving into furniture.
- SpareRoom: From a tiny shed, this business began in 2004 by Rupert Hunt. Fast forward to today, and it’s one of the UK’s go-to flat-sharing websites.
- Marie Curie’s Research: Yes, some of Curie’s most important experiments happened in a shed-like lab!
- Dyson: James Dyson shares the same with his first bagless vacuum.
- Lotus Cars: This renowned British car manufacturer was founded by Colin Chapman in a small shed. The company is now famous for its innovative sports cars.
More shed facts and FAQs here:
- Who was the ‘Shed of the Year’ winner for 2020? The Cuprinol ‘Shed of the Year’ winner was Daniel Holloway for his awesome Bedouin Tree Shed.
- Where was the first-ever live commentary for a football match broadcast from? From a wooden shack (we’ll call it a shed) at Arsenal football club’s previous Highbury ground. The Gunners drew with Sheffield United 1-1.
- Can you build a shed straight onto your lawn? No! You should remember from some of our other posts that building a foundation and base for your shed is key. Otherwise, it can warp and rot from dampness in the ground. Get more tips here: Building a Shed on Grass – Expert Shed Base Advice
Round-Up
These shed facts prove that these outbuildings can be more than just garden extras. They’ve always been practical, but their impact goes beyond storage. And in some cases, they have been the starting point for ideas and businesses that grew much bigger.
Discover more than just the history. Explore our collection of garden sheds for sale UK and find the perfect fit for your garden.
