The Audley End Stable Block in the 17th Century

The stable block at Audley End, brick and multi-gabled, stands in contrast to the classical stone palace built on the opposite side of the River Cam by Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk, early in the reign of James I. Its contrasting appearance and domestic character generated much antiquarian speculation about its age and original purpose. It is now clear that it is contemporary with the palace, built for a specific but essentially domestic function, and soon converted to serve as the stable block and coach house. This article seeks to elucidate the form of the building in its 17th century phases, and outline the context that produced them.