SNN109706 - Loosebox Range, Everdon Hall, Little Everdon, Daventry, Northamptonshire: Historic Building Survey

Wardell Armstrong Archaeology was commissioned to undertake an historic building survey of a building known as the ‘Loosebox Range’ at Everdon Hall, Little Everdon, Daventry, prior to the conversion and alteration of the structure for residential use. Everdon Hall is a Grade II listed building, which was built c.1820 (replacing an earlier structure), and was extensively remodelled c.1900. The ‘Loosebox Range’, or stables, are early 20th century in date and forms part of the curtilage to the grade II listing for Everdon Hall. As a consequence of this association, listed building consent has been granted on the condition that an historic building survey be undertaken of the structure prior to conversion in accordance with Paragraph 141 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2012). The historic building survey has revealed that the building was constructed as a range to house horses in four loose boxes, all of which were of similar size and had the same characteristic such as a split door, brick floor, partly plastered walls and a window serving each to provide plenty of natural light. The west end of the building, however, is quite different in form reflecting difference uses as shown by the provision of fireplaces. The Tack Room may have served as that originally, although there was very little surviving to indicate this use, but the presence of a fireplace certainly indicates human occupation. The two storey Store, also has a fireplace at ground level, reflecting human occupation, with a possible store above. The Loosebox Range is an example of a purpose‐built structure for the accommodation of horses, complete with provision of rooms for the groom or stable hand. The building, however, should not be seen in isolation but as part of an organised area of stabling for horses at Everdon Hall.