Kirkleatham Hall: Historic Redcar stable block damaged in suspected arson attack

One of Teesside's most treasured historical buildings has been seriously damaged in a suspected arson attack.

Scene of devastation left behind after a suspected arson attack on the stables at Kirkleatham Hall

Katie Lunn

Part of the Grade II* listed Kirkleatham Hall stable block, at Redcar, which dates back to the early 1700s, went up in flames yesterday.

It’s the third arson attack in the last 20 years.

In part of the building today, the teracotta roof tiles had been burned off, leaving no roof and the wooden beams of the building exposed.

Representatives from Redcar and Cleveland Council were at the site inspecting the damage.

 The distinctive stables are significant in the North-east’s horse-racing history and housed famous racehorses such as The Flying Dutchman.

Parts of the stables, owned by Redcar and Cleveland Council, were placed on English Heritage’s “Heritage at Risk” register last year.

Since the demolition of Kirkleatham Hall in 1954, the condition of the stables, along with Grade I, II and II* bastions, ha-ha walls, gate piers and gatehouses, has deteriorated, leading to grants of around £500,000 to help save it in 2011.

Six fire engines, from Redcar Fire Station, Grangetown, Coulby Newham and Hartlepool, attended the blaze yesterday after receiving a call at 7.45pm.

They tackled the blaze for about two hours, and fire crews said they managed to confine the fire to one corner. About a quarter of the building was damaged, with the inside almost completely destroyed.

The distinctive stables are significant in the North-east’s horse-racing history and housed famous racehorses such as The Flying Dutchman.

Parts of the stables, owned by Redcar and Cleveland Council, were placed on English Heritage’s “Heritage at Risk” register last year.

 Since the demolition of Kirkleatham Hall in 1954, the condition of the stables, along with Grade I, II and II* bastions, ha-ha walls, gate piers and gatehouses, has deteriorated, leading to grants of around £500,000 to help save it in 2011.

Six fire engines, from Redcar Fire Station, Grangetown, Coulby Newham and Hartlepool, attended the blaze yesterday after receiving a call at 7.45pm.

They tackled the blaze for about two hours, and fire crews said they managed to confine the fire to one corner. About a quarter of the building was damaged, with the inside almost completely destroyed.

Local historian Peter Sotheran said the arson attack is “desperately sad” as the building is of exceptional quality and historic value. He said: “This is at least the third arson attack on this building in the last 20 years.

“English Heritage and Redcar and Cleveland Council have spent around £1.25m over the years securing the block and making it burglar proof. Following an attack about 15 years ago, more than £600,000 was spent, using Euro grants and borough council cash. The council has owned the stables block since, but hasn’t used it for anything.”

The stables are close to Kirkleatham Hall School, which initially staff feared had been the target.

Mary White, the special school’s business manager said: “The police had the village cordoned off so we couldn’t get through but the building manager called me to assure me it wasn’t the school.
“It looks so awful. It’s public money that’s gone to waste.”

Councillor Olwyn Peters, Cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at Redcar and Cleveland Council said: “Due to the prompt action of a member of the public, who reported the fire, and the fire brigade, we have been able to secure the building and are currently assessing the damage.

“Early indications are that the fire was started deliberately.

“We are extremely disappointed that individuals would set fire to this magnificent listed building without taking into the account the impact it may have on the building and the surrounding properties as well as Kirkleatham Hall School which is in such close proximity.”

Article from gazette Live:
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/kirkleatham-hall-historic-redcar-stable-5801913