Building record 111/1/2 - Stable/ cattle shed

{1} A north-south aligned rectangular block of 3 bays, constructed of squared coursed limestone with occasional ironstone blocks. Single storey in height, the building is a one room structure that probably functioned as a stable or cattle shelter shed. The east and west elevations are very similar, each having a central planked stable door and a pair of flanking ventilator windows. Each of these ventilators has a slatted lower part with glazing above. On the east side of the building the tops of the door and ventilators meet the eaves, whereas they are lower in the western elevation. There is a plain north gable end with a small ventilator slit near the apex and most of the south gable is covered by another, unrecorded, building with a breezeblock wall of mid-late 20 century date. The roof, of corrugated asbestos cement panels, is carried on a pair of simple trusses comprising tie beams and collars. Internally, there are feeding troughs along both the north and south wails, and a hay rack above the trough on the south side. Tether rings are present along the feeding troughs. In the southwestern corner of the building is an area of patching with modern brick. Plans and photos.
Probably in the early-mid 19th century a small animal shelter was built to the east of the threshing barn. This contains several original features including opposed stable doors in the long sides and slatted ventilator windows. There are feeding troughs (mangers) within the building, and a hayrack. Several tether rings along the mangers indicate that a number of animals could be accommodated. The absence of stall partitions, a usual feature of stables, may further indicate that this building was for cattle rather than horses.
The cow shed/stable was re-roofed in the mid-late 20th century and a structural repair was also made to the internal walling.

<1> Taylor, G., 2011, Historic Building Recording at Shortwood Farm, Shotley, Harringworth, Northamptonshire, 2011, (checked) (Report). SNN107730.

Record last edited

Apr 25 2012 1:01PM