Vaulted Cellars Beneath Warehouses, Formerly Stables To Former Stoke Hall

Vaulted cellars, dating largely from the late 18th century with later 19th and 20th century modifications, originally served as stables to the demolished Stoke Hall. The cellars are located beneath warehouses and are situated entirely underground, extending approximately 180 feet in length. They comprise three levels: the uppermost projecting southwards towards the garden boundary of Landsdale Cottage and Belstead Road, the lower level extending northwards, formerly towards the river. The lowest level consists of a single range of vaults, the middle level of two parallel single ranges, and the upper level a shorter parallel range. Internal features include partition walls between bays, those in the lowest level featuring semicircular brick archways. The vaults are covered by shallow brick vaulted roofs, with later brick shelving at intervals. The middle level was rendered during World War II for use as an air raid shelter. Floors are brick, except for the lowest level, which descends to natural rock and sand. A brick spiral staircase connects the middle and lower levels, and a blocked circular hole is present in the floor of the lowest level. Access to the vaults is now via the superstructure. Evidence of further openings are concealed by render. The cellars are said to have had a capacity of 157,500 gallons of wine, and may have been built for Thomas Cartwright, a wine merchant and builder of Stoke Hall, in 1747. The above-ground warehouses, formerly stables, are not considered to be of special architectural or historic interest.