Building record 91/2/4 - 19th century stables

{1} (Building E) A single storey, east-west orientated building, “L”-shaped in plan and constructed from stone and brick with a corrugated cement asbestos sheet roof. The building comprises two main elements: the main east-west range which flanks the southern side of the farmyard into which all of the access doors and widows face, and a smaller north-south orientated open-fronted range which has been consumed by Building F. Cartographic evidence first depicts this building on the 1884 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map.
Internally, the wall at the northern end where it meets the east-west range is constructed of brick. This wall is presumed to be the original rear wall of the east-west range as it is the same as the west-facing elevation. This would indicate that the northsouth range may be a later addition.
Detailed building description, plans and photos.

The earliest phase identified in this survey is believed to be the construction of Buildings B, D and E as part of the farm re-modelling which took place in 1868. It is documented that Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh carried out a series of repairs to Easton Neston House and the estate farm buildings upon his inheritance in 1867.
The buildings which were present prior to the construction of Buildings B, D and E were all on an irregular lay out. The re-design of the farm buildings in the 1860s represented a more planned model farm design. The buildings were aligned at right angles and created regular inner courtyards and a walled area on the western side. This design also created more of a separation from the farmhouse – positioning the stables closer to the house with the cattle farming on the side furthest away.
Modernisation and adaptation of the buildings to allow for a change in agricultural practices has removed many of the original fixtures and fittings that may have been located within the buildings. However, the long range of Buildings D and E would have provided ideal facilities for feeding or rearing younger animals with individual loose boxes/stalls.
At some point between the construction of the model farm and the creation of the First Ordnance Survey Map of 1884, some minor alterations took place to Buildings B and E which were identified during the survey. The re-building of the north-south element of Building E has also been ascribed to this phase. Evidence from survey has identified that this part of the building is a later addition to the east-west range, however it appears to be constructed in its current form by 1884. The brick and timber feeding troughs along the rear wall of the building would indicate this was used for feeding large animals such as cattle.
During the early 20th century, alterations were made to the interiors of Buildings D and E which may have been the result of changing farming practices and subsequent uses of the buildings. Several doorways were created within the former window openings in the east-west range of Building E. Internally, new wooden panelled divisions were added to create more individual stalls. The addition of two-part stable doors may indicate that the use of this building changed to accommodate horses.

{4} Photo dated June 1962;

<1> Fletcher T., 2013, Showsley Grounds, Easton Neston, Northamptonshire: Historic Building Recording, (checked) (Report). SNN109130.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1884, First Edition OS Map (Sheet 56.3), (unchecked) (Map). SNN109236.

<3> 1895, Easton Neston Estate Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN109235.

<4> Miss June Swann, 1960s- 70s, Miss June Swann Photographic Archive (Photographs). SNN116665.

Record last edited

Jan 22 2025 12:34PM