The massive stables are ultimately Italian in inspiration, although their deep Tuscan porticos borrow directly from Inigo Jones's St Paul's, Covent Garden. As an exercise in Anglo-Palladianism they are unusual, and certainly localised by the warm honey-coloured ironstone. The historian John Colvin declared 'they have no obvious parallels in contemporary Georgian architecture'. Pevsner states 'it might well be argued that the stables . are the finest piece of architecture at Althorp.' Without question they have immense presence, and were meant to impress. They were probably built in c.1732-33 by Roger Morris, soon after the re-modelling of the entrance hall (in the main house), under the instructions of the Fifth Earl of Sunderland.
Morris could have been known to Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough through Wimbledon Park, the building of which caused Morris to fall out of favour with the fiery Duchess. This would have recommended him however, to the Fifth Earl of Sunderland, who was to be passed over in the Duchess's will.
Outside, on the North front there is a group of canons recovered from the battle of Navarino in 1827, which saw the destruction of the Turkish fleet. The Fourth Earl took part in this, the last sea battle ever fought under sail. Long gone are the elaborate stables that at one time accommodated up to 100 horses and 40 grooms.
The stables are now the setting for the exhibition celebrating the life Diana, Princess of Wales and honouring her memory after her death. The freshness and modernity of the facilities are a unique tribute to a woman who captivated the world in her all-too-brief existence.
The action in the stableyard still continues apace, but most noticeable is the respectful air of peacefulness which still encompasses the yard - even while the visitors pour in.
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