Council Stables, Former

History:

The stables at 19 Duke Street were built for Stafford Brothers, contractors, in 1894. Rate Books for 1893 show the stables in progress, valued at ₤40. In 1814-15, the value of the building was ₤45. The building remained in the ownership of Thomas Stafford until 1915, when ownership passed to the Richmond Corporation. The building remained in use as stables until at least 1940. Thomas Stafford's own house was at 94 Lord Street, one of a pair of Victorian cottages backing onto the stables complex.

Description:

The Former Richmond Council Stables building is a bichromatic brick building with a simple gabled form. The west facade is symmetrical, with a double-height opening containing the front entrance, and an upper opening beneath a cantilevered block and tackle hoisting beam, which protrudes from the base of a circular louvered vent in the gable end. There are four windows, two on either side of the entrance at both ground and mezzanine levels. The gable-end parapet, segmented arched window heads and vent dressings are in cream brick, contrasting with the red brick walls. There are also three cream brick string courses across the west elevation, and two along the side elevations. The timber-framed windows are relatively small, and have bluestone sills. The coach entrance to the building is on the south elevation.

Significance:

The former Richmond Council Stables is of local architectural and historical significance. Historically, it is a rare surviving large stables building, which is a landmark in this predominantly residential street. The building is a substantially externally intact example of late 19th century stables building.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Stables