The stables project uncovered and and restored the historic glory of Belton’s Grade I listed stables, including discovering a hidden roof and its original features. Find out more about the work that brought the stables back to life.
The stable block, built in 1685, is recognised as being of ‘exceptional significance for its aesthetic and historical value’. It is one of only 21 Grade I listed stables in England, important for the number of original features still intact.
Starting in 2016 this project stabilised the upper floors, preserved the historic features and employed craftspeople who are skilled in traditional building techniques, such as lime plastering and stone masonry.
Original fixtures such as fireplaces and the 17th-century casement windows have been retained and restored in situ where possible.
A historic building survey illustrated exactly what the original lime mixtures used on the walls, floors and ceilings would have been and this information was used when making repairs. Where possible some sections have been left exposed so that the techniques used remain visible.
A laser-scan survey to capture the building in 3D, revealed a hidden secret about the Stable roof. The flat roof seen today was added some time in the 20th century, and it conceals the original M-shaped roof below.
A closer look was taken at the decorative materials applied to the walls and other surfaces of the ground floor stables and first-floor accommodation.
The decorative samples collected have been carefully documented for future reference and research. There is now a much clearer picture of the way these spaces were lived in and used until the 1970s.
The multiple layers of colourful floral and flocked wallpaper peeled from the first-floor rooms suggest the accommodation was surprisingly homely.
More than 600 paint samples were taken from the stalls, loose boxes and upper floors. The paint scrapes from the ground floor were matched to the national colour scheme tables and informed the choice of colour when the stalls were refurbished.
The Belton Volunteer Research Team also lent a hand, having trawled through archival sources for clues about the building’s history which helped inform the overall historical analysis.
27 July 2019
After four years of planning and 18 months of construction work, the Stables Café is now open. Belton’s newly conserved and refurbished Café will offer you an entirely different dining experience within this beautiful historic setting.
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Work at Belton uncovers stories from the past and preserves over 400 years of history, helping us to look after this special place for everyone, for ever.
Whether you're looking to help in the great outdoors, connect with the public or get up close and personal with Belton, there's lots of opportunities here. Or if you’re looking for a team building day and wish to support a charity at the same time, Belton is a great place to choose.
Ignite imaginations with school and group visits to Belton and explore the history, stories, collections and nature of this historic place.
Packed full of treasures, discover a mansion bursting with history. Belton's collection tells a story rich in global history and our future work will focus on bringing those stories to life.
Explore 1,300 acres of parkland at Belton and find out more about the wildlife you may see along the way, including the herd of historic fallow deer.
Explore the gardens at Belton, including the Italian Garden, a Conservatory and a Dutch Garden with formal bedding schemes. Whatever time of year you visit, the shifting seasons provide a great variety of colour and wildlife to see.
Take a closer look at 400 years of ambitious collecting, where treasures include English portraiture, Oriental ceramics and a restored lapis lazuli cabinet.
We believe that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. That’s why we’re supporting wildlife, protecting historic sites and more. Find out about our work.
