This magnificent frontage is just a small part of the Stable Block at Calke Abbey. Architecture from past eras more often than not much grander than the utilitarian function of the buildings. Resplendent under a golden globe, with weather vane and an observation dome, a host of windows and constructed with a mix of stone and brick it is indeed a stable block on a grand scale. BUT look more closely at the double doors on the left….they are false! In fact there are several other false doors** around this building and I am not sure exactly why.
Not that there is a shortage of doors, the inner stable yard is surrounded by doors. In fact you get double your monies worth as several are like this double door set which also sports a ‘personnel door’……..
even in its distressed state it is still a splendid set of doors….so I don’t think we will recommend a lick of paint.
** False Doors are not common. However false windows are another matter (though not on this building). Several centuries back the English Parliament introduced a ‘Window Tax’….The owners of building with windows in excess of a suddenly imposed number had a Tax levied for every extra window. So if you wonder round our old cities you will see many an old building with a window bricked in to avoid the tax dues. The tax didn’t last for long.
17th March
© David Oakes 2014
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 