Mid 19th century stables and later petting zoo, 'Pets Corner', Spurrier's Core, Harlow Town Park (EHER 82866)

Two stable blocks belonging to the mid 19th century farmhouse, Spurrier's Farmhouse (EHER 82865), which were purchased by Harlow District Council in 1965 to form the nucleus of an area intended for civic entertainment, later known as Spurrier’s Core. The stable blocks were incorporated into 'Pets Corner', a petting zoo, which opened in 1966 and was still in operation when surveyed in 2014.

July 2014. Building recording. Two stable blocks belonging to the mid 19th century farmhouse, Spurrier's Farmhouse (EHER 82865), which were purchased by Harlow District Council in 1965 to form the nucleus of an area intended for civic entertainment, later known as Spurrier’s Core. The stable blocks were incorporated into Pets Corner, which opened in 1966. This is commemorated in two anniversary plaques, a simple horseshoe attached to the Aquarium block, recording the 30th anniversary and a more ornate version consisting of representations of the animals in the zoo, commemorating the 40th anniversary, located above the main entrance. A blue plaque in the animal enclosure honours the memory of Rodney Wood, manager of Pets Corner from its opening in 1966 until 1992. Pets Corner comprises two distinct areas, arranged in a linear pattern aligned north-west to south-east, along with a collection of paddocks to the west of the zoo. The northernmost of these areas comprises the original stable blocks for Spurrier’s House separated from the rear of Spurrier’s House by the original Victorian stable yard gates. The southern part of Pets Corner dates to 1966 and consists of open-fronted shelter sheds/pens arranged around a green with a brick Aquarium at the south end. To the south of the green is a low 'S-shaped' structure, built from river cobbles capped with concrete slabs. The south end of this forms a duck pond whilst the north end is embedded into the green, forming a small plaza filled with bird cages. The stables have been extensively modernised, possibly in 1966, but probably more recently. Despite these alterations many original features have survived, including a drainage gully formed by Staffordshire blue bricks (probably original – but possibly later), tethering rings and stall divisions. The petting zoo was still in operation at the time of survey. <1>