Patched and crumbling this old wall, overlooking a stable yard, could know doubt tell a few tales of a way of life long gone. A time when the stables were one of the main hubs of any large household.
And each door, a window into another world, dark and mysterious…..
These rather fine Stalls rather begs the question as to whether there were different classes of accommodation for horses. ‘4 Star’ for the horses of the Lord of the Manor and more basic for the everyday working horses.
But what ever ‘class’ of horse enjoyed these elaborate surroundings one thing is for sure, they would all need the services of the Farrier and Blacksmith.
Blacksmith’s were important to the smooth running of any estate needing to turn their skills to much more that just shoeing horses.
These images were taken at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire a house that can tell many a story….but I suspect many more of this countries Houses can tell similar tales of labour and hard graft by Estate workers in the ‘service’ of the Owner.
26th March
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 