Makeover for Dunham Massey’s historic stables

Clip clop down to Dunham Massey on Saturday 14 May, 11am – 3pm, for the official opening of the stable buildings and a one off chance to see horses and vintage cars in this beautiful historic setting.

18th century stables at Dunham Massey conserved for visitors to explore from Saturday 14 May c. National Trust/David Jones

From Saturday 14 May visitors will be able to explore an exciting new area of Dunham Massey as the historic stables open to tell their story for the first time. A rare and important survival from an era when horses were the most popular means of transport, the stables remain relatively unchanged since their completion in the early 18^th century.

“Opening the stables to the public is the result of Dunham Massey’s largest conservation project in ten years and visitors have helped make it possible with the money raised through the National Trust’s annual raffle here at Dunham Massey”, says Visitor Experience Manager, Jessica Webb.

Shadowy projections of the horses and cows that once called the stables at Dunham Massey home c. National Trust/David Jones

“The family at Dunham were very keen on horses, even keeping race horses with names like Symmetry, Nimrod and Fury who would have run at the local Knutsford races. The stables were a really important part of the country home so when they were built they housed up to 25 animals plus carriages. It must have been a noisy, busy and bustling space.”

The stables use changed over time and eventually, as cars replaced horses on the road, some spaces were converted into garages and the only animals to remain were ponies belonging to the family’s children.

Visitors will be able to explore the North Stables as a motor house and garage, converted in the early 20^thcentury, and experience the South Stables in their original state as home to horses and cows.

Lord Stamford’s 1935 Morris Ten-Four car on display in the stables at Dunham Massey c. National Trust/David Jones

Lord Stamford’s 1935 Morris Ten Four will be on display accompanied by accounts about his chauffeur, Piers Davenport. Many local people still remember Piers driving Lord Stamford to and from the Stamford Estate Office in Altrincham each day.

Archive image of Lord Stamford’s 1935 Morris Ten-Four car which can be seen on display in the stables at Dunham Massey c. National Trust/Robert Thrift

In the South Stables, shadowy projections and sound effects will evoke the sights and sounds of the stables and the animals they housed.

The stables will be opening to the public on Saturday 14 May

Celebratory event with horses and vintage cars 11am- 3pm

 Stables opening hours Saturday – Wednesday, 11am – 4pm until Sunday 30 Oct

Entrance to the stables is included with a house and garden ticket and is free for National Trust members. All visitors require a ticket from visitor reception.

For more information on Dunham Massey and the stables visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey