Old Stable and Coach House, Shrivenham

Many people will have seen this building next to the former Victoria Public House by the entrance to what was Shrivenham Railway Station. It has likely never been used for something in the region of 50 years and possibly longer. It was in fact built as a stable and coach house for the use of the Victoria when it was built in 1842 by George Canfield. It probably had a thatched roof when first constructed. George was also the landlord of the Barrington Arms in Shrivenham High Street and another side of his business was as a Posting House, the equivalent today of a taxi/courier. He understood the potential of the Railway Station opening in 1841 and such was his conviction that he built the Victoria Hotel. Whereas he had stables and Post Chaise houses at Shrivenham, he would have needed one next to his new hotel at the station.

The building had been purchased by John Allaway the occupier of Bourton Grange, and after his death on 12th May 1893, it was sold at an auction held by the trustees of his estate. The sale was covered by the Swindon Advertiser newspaper dated 26th August 1893 and  included the information that it had been let on a 30 year lease since 1865 at a rent of 5 shillings per annum and underlet at a profit rental of £3. It was purchased at the auction by a Mr T.R. Stephens of Shrivenham for £46.

For more information on the Victoria Inn please see SHS Listing No N859

For more information on the Barrington Arms please see SHS Listing No N805