SNN112393 - Kelmarsh Hall Stable Yard, Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire: Historic Building Survey, May 2014

An archaeological building survey of the Stable Yard at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire has been undertaken by The JESSOP Consultancy to provide a detailed understanding of the development of this part of the site and to inform proposals for repair and new interpretation. The building is Grade I listed, and located at NGR SP 73633 79603 (centered). Kelmarsh Hall is an important example of a compact Palladian style country residence built c.1728-32 to a design by the architect James Gibbs. The survey has paid particular attention to the surviving complex of rooms that functioned as a Laundry at Kelmarsh and are deemed to be of considerable historic significance. A second report examines the development and various functions of the basement level of the Main Block of the Hall. The area defined as the Stable Yard is to the southwest of the South Pavilion and measures 23m x 30m, with a rough gravel surface, with sections of cobbles. The archaeological examination of development of the buildings that form the Stable Yard at Kelmarsh Hall has demonstrated that the existing layout was a piecemeal development of over four phases between c.1800-1930, interpreted as being associated with changes in ownership and the differing needs of each new household. The principal use of the Stable Yard was for horses and it is estimated that the by the 1880s, there were stalls for between 25-30 horses. There was a smithy for a blacksmith, loose boxes, garages for at least four carriages, coaches, or gigs, and an integrated dwelling at the southeast corner of the Stable Yard. All of this expense for the care of horses, is clearly associated with the role of hunting within this part of the Midlands and the appointment of Richard Naylor in 1872-3 as the Master of the Pytchley Hunt in 1872-3 and Joint Master in the following year. Naylor liked to entertain his guests and a large ballroom and kitchen had been constructed against the North Front of the house by 1870. As part of the improvements to the Main Block for guests was the need for an up-to-date Laundry and one was built into the northwest corner of the Stable Yard. It comprised of three rooms, The Wet Laundry, Dry Laundry and Office/Fuel Room, all connected to the basement of the Main Block via a subterranean passage. This survey has identified that there are two principal phases of adaptation of the Laundry and that nearly all of the large fixtures and fittings still survive. It can be regarded as a significant example of a purpose built Laundry from the mid 1860s-70s, and when examined in conjunction with the historical accounts that remain, there is enough surviving for a full restoration.