Standing Building Recording

Date 18 August 2014 - 21 August 2014

Event ID 1000231

Category Recording

Type Standing Building Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1000231

AOC Archaeology Group was commissioned by Buccleuch Recreational Enterprises to undertake an historic building survey of a number of buildings associated with the Dalkeith Country Park Estate. These works were required as part of a condition on the planning consent and listed building consent of the planned rejuvenation of this part of the estate, largely centred on the 18th century stable block.

The Stables were constructed in ca. 1740 to a design by William Adam and were subsequently enlarged in the mid-19th century as part of expansion of the estate buildings by William Burn.

The nearby Laundry and bridge were also constructed in the 18th century - probably at the same time as the stables. A large Jacobean-style glasshouse or conservatory was built in ca. 1830s with an undercroft and boiler system for the growing of non-domestic plants and fruits. This was accompanied by the firmer establishment of natural amphitheatre to the north of this with steps and a tunnel, sloping down to the South Esk River.

Today, much of the stable block is redundant, particularly the first floor former hay lofts and storage areas, including an area of the north-east wing which housed anti-aircraft gunning training crews during the Second World War; the shields of the regiments still remain on the plasterwork of the larger mess room. The coach houses have also been largely altered in style and character, with the coach house to the south-east wing converted to a restaurant in the 1980s. However, the general character of the original stable blocks remain, complete with cobbled flooring, timber stalls, hay racks and tether rings.