The first use of a riding stable can be traced back to Egypt in 1300BC. A massive riding stable, capable of holding 480 horses was discovered during a dig of an ancient Egyptian city.
Horses were an important element of Roman life. Whilst the stables before you are not that old, Drove Road where they stand is believed to be the site of a Roman Road. It is therefore very likely that stables have always been in operation around this area.
The original stables would have belonged to Kemps, which was built in 1540. During the Georgian era (1714 to 1830) stables were constructed with stones, often whatever was available locally. Food for the horses was stored in a hayloft above the stables, which would often double as accommodation for the grooms and other stable staff. The horses were accommodated in individual stalls, tied with a rope with a stone weight on its end.
The Victorians improved the quality of stables, and even had official guidelines on what was required. This included damp-free floors, draught-free ventilation and improved drainage. Stables at this time were also an indication of wealth, and the rich would ensure they had the finest horses and best-paid staff to look after their status symbol.
During the 1960s and 70s, the riding stables were run as a private concern. People could either house their own horses here, or pay to rent one for riding lessons.
By the end of the 1980s the site had been sold, and the current houses built.
Often close by to stables would be a coach house. A coach house is an outbuilding which was originally built to accommodate horse drawn carriages and the related tack. They were situated along a coaching route at which horses were changed.
In the UK the farm buildings were also called cart sheds. These typically were open fronted, single story buildings, with the roof supported by regularly spaced pillars.
They often faced away from the farmyard and may be found close to the stables and roadways, giving direct access to the fields.
In the modern day, where motor vehicles are used, there is little need for horse drawn carriages and subsequently the buildings used to house them. Whilst many coach houses have fallen into disrepair, many have been converted into other uses such as workshops, retail shops, bars, restaurants, storage buildings or holiday rentals. Many of these conversions however have maintained the name of the coach house regardless of their current use.
In Portslade Old Village, the old coach house sits behind Alma Cottage in South Street. This late 19th century building is now in light industrial use.
By Russell Morgan