North Stable Block at Emral Hall

Cadw's description

Location

One of two former stable blocks to Emral Hall which now form part of Emral Stud and are reached by a private drive from Emral Hall Lodge. It is sited opposite the South Stable block between the bridge over Emral Brook and the former entrance gates.

History

Constructed 1730-35 as one of two stable blocks for Emral Hall (1724-27) to which they gave an architectural setting in forming an axial route and courtyard. Designed by Richard Trubshaw and Joseph Evans who had designed the Hall, and who, in 1736 began work on St Deiniol's Church, Worthenbury. The stable was sold as part of the estate in the 1930's and partially converted to residential use in the 1960's. Emral Hall was on an ancient moated site of which Emral Brook formed the eastern side, the house was demolished in 1936. The former entrance gates have been relocated to Eccleston Parish Church.

Exterior

Rectangular two-storey former stable block to north of the main axial approach to Emral Hall. Set back from an inclined plane with brick retaining wall under stone coping leading from the site of the former gates. Red brick with stone dressings including band course and rusticated quoins, hipped roof. Advanced central gabled bay has entrance with lugged stone architrave and entablature under a segmental pediment; midway along the elevation to either side are symmetrically placed doors each with a lugged stone architrave and entablature. The gables have two circular windows, or possible former pitching holes, which have been filled in. A stone band delineates the ground from the first floor and rests on top of the stone keystones of the ground floor windows. Most windows have been replaced but those to the western portion retain 18-pane sliding sashes. The eastern section of the stable was converted to residential use in the 1960's and had served as a garage for the previous thirty years as indicated by blocked openings to the rear elevation.

Interior

Most fixtures and fittings removed though original beams survive throughout.

Reason for designation

Listed as an architect designed stable-block of the early C18, for its historic association with Emral Hall, and for group value with the South Stable Block.