Mounting Block

SPOFFORTH WITH STOCKELD

334/0/10016 CHURCH LANE 14-DEC-09 MOUNTING BLOCK

II Mounting block, probably C18 or early C19.

FORM Single piece of dressed sandstone to form two steps, possibly with a third, lower step concealed by the raised surrounding ground surface. The mounting block is simple in form and well weathered.

SITING Sited on the road verge adjacent to a blocked gateway to a triangular parcel of land shown on the 1851 1:10560 Ordnance Survey map. This parcel of land now forms part of the garden to the current Rectory. Across the lane from the mounting block is a blocked carriage entrance to the Old Rectory.

HISTORY It is speculated that the mounting block was associated with a house occupying the triangular parcel of land, but demolished before the 1851 map, possibly to improve the prospect from the former carriage entrance to the Old Rectory.

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION

The mounting block is designated at grade II for the following principal reasons * Although a very simple block of carved stone, it is a good example of a once common piece of street furniture, a reminder of the former importance of horse transport. * The mounting block is thought to be pre-1840 in date, and is in its current location.