As an early example of Soane's work, and only the second such scheme he designed, the buildings at Shotesham Park are of considerable historical and architectural significance. The stable-yard complex comprises four ranges set around a square courtyard. Historical maps indicates that in 1841 the southern, western and eastern ranges were as they are today, but that the northern range was then of equal width to the western and eastern ranges. Nor did it span the full length of the northern side of the stable yard, meaning that there was an unroofed gap between the buildings in the north-eastern corner. By the time of the 1882 First Edition Ordnance Survey map, the northern range had been extended eastwards over the top of the gap, forming the covered passageway which survives today, and southwards to create the cantilever overhanging roof structure which again still survives. The survey has also demonstrated the degree of survival of original fabric, fixtures and fittings: in the western range, the original loose boxes have been replaced by modern equivalents, while large parts of the original roof structure have survived. In the eastern range, the original loose boxes have survived, but the original roof structure has been entirely replaced in modern times. Most greatly altered is the southern range, which has lost its upper floor, has been partitioned and fitted out with a kitchen, toilets and shower room. Even here, though, significant elements of the original roof structure survive, including a particularly finely decorated wooden tie beam.
R. Hoggett (Fri,) studied this question.