Kirkleatham Hall Stables, an important part of horseracing history of northeast England, has been awarded a grant of almost £200,000 from English Heritage to carry out urgent repairs to the building.
The historic stables, situated on the outskirts of Redcar, were once owned by a co-founder of the Jockey Club. Used as a stud farm for racehorses, the complex features an unusual circular tower in the centre of the courtyard, thought to have provided a viewing point to watch horses as they were walked around the yard.
The stables developed gradually from the 17th century to the 19th century, and are know to have housed several famous racehorses, including Flying Dutchman.
The complex, now a grade II listed building owned by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, has progressively deteriorated in condition since the demolition of Kirkleatham Hall in 1954.
“The funding award is great news and will help to stabilise the structures for the next few years whiles efforts continue to find sustainable uses for the buildings,” said Sheelagh Clarke, Redcar & Cleveland council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism.
“It will ensure we don’t risk further decay or loss of these important elements of Redcar’s historic, cultural, archaeological and architectural heritage.”
The grant will also be used to repair surrounding garden features, including ha-ha walls, grade I and II* bastions, gate piers and gatehouses.
“We are delighted to be supporting the council in its work to secure this complex,” said Carol Pyrah, English Heritage planning and development director for the northeast. “Kirkleatham features prominently on our ‘Heritage at Risk’ list and the repairs are urgently needed.”
