Mid 19th century stable at Perrychilds Farm, Hall Road, Panfield (EHER 80293)

The stable was built c. 1830-40 as part of the development of a Victorian High Farm.

April 2021. Level 3 building survey. The stable was built c. 1830-40 as part of the development of a Victorian High Farm. The remaining frame is a mix of reused elm and softwood with Scandinavian bracking marks which became increasingly common in the mid 19th century. Originally it was accessed from the eastern side as part of the working farmyard. Only one vertically boarded spilt stable door remains in parlous condition. The stable is a single bay of a four-bay building. The lower part of the walls is clad with elm boards while the upper is covered with lath and daub – a cheap and popular style that was still in fashion in the late 1830s. The laths are split staves and rods of uneven section. No fixtures remain to give a definitive layout, but it can be assumed that the western wall was lined with hayracks and feed troughs while the partition wall is protected with kickboards. A pair of 1930s style garage doors have been inserted but extended to fit a wider opening. A short pentice has been added over the doorway to prevent water ingress and the stable was heavily repaired in the mid 20th century. However, the doors are second-hand and have been widened with boards to increase the size of the doorway and a pentice added to prevent water ingress. The entire roof has been replaced with machined softwood and clad with corrugated cement board. The building was accessed from the west side although one eastern door and a loading hatch was retained. The north and south gables were replaced. The floor has been laid with concrete. <1>