47 



PLATES XVII., XVIII., & XIX. 



The Nciv Stables, Tngestre, Staffordshire. 



THE stables at Ingestre Hall, Staffordshire, were built a few years 

 ago, from designs by the author, forming one of the largest 

 establishments in the country. The quadrangle is about i6o feet by 

 140 feet, and is approached through the archway in the centre, over 

 which rises a tower. On either side of the archway are residences for 

 coachmen and grooms, sick-boxes, and harness-rooms; and over the 

 latter are the granaries with fire-proof floors. The wings to the right 

 and left are the stables for stalls and loose-boxes, each wing having 

 a cleaning-place in the centre. These stables are built open half-way 

 up the roof, and ceiled with a panelled and plastered ceiling. The 

 ventilation and drainage was specially considered, and the most perfect 

 modern methods adopted, and all the fittings were of the most durable 

 and best kind. The coach-house occupies the central position of 

 quadrangle, and is of spacious dimensions, having a portico in front 

 for washing purposes, built of stone, with an elaborate oak clock- 

 turret on roof. Over the coach-house are found the hay and straw 

 lofts, helpers' rooms, &c. The mess-room, kitchen, forge, &c., are 

 built to the rear of this. 



In designing this building no trouble was spared in rendering it 

 complete in all its arrangements and details, water and electric light 

 being taken into the stables and otherwise where necessary. The new 

 building is made to harmonise in style and feeling with the old Hall — 

 which was restored by the author at the same time — is built of brick 

 and stone, the entrance-tower and archway being entirely of the latter 

 material. Plate XVII. shows a bird's-eye view looking into quad- 

 rangle, with the facade towards the road. Plate XVIII. is the view 

 in quadrangle facing the coach-house ; and Plate XIX. is a similar 

 one looking at the entrance to quadrangle. 



The total cost of these stables was about £'18,000, and the ac- 

 commodation is for over fifty horses. 



