There is always something sad and romantic about old derelict racing stables , especially one that housed the great Eclipse , and so close to the wonderful Epsom racecourse as I am a great racing fan and am very nostalgic about history and racing this ticked all the boxes thank you for showing this haunting look at the old stables and lovely old property.
Thanks for adding your video. I have a passion for the Derby. I go every year, and was always curious about Downs House and all the racing history associated with it. It's great to get a look at this grand old place, and think of how it might of been in its heyday, especially the areas that Eclipse may once have trod.
ormonde1111 Was there also looking for the grave site of the racehorse Attivo, famously owned & commentated on winning by Sir Peter O'Sullevan....could not find it as the wooden memorial sign had disappeared, as had the one for Downs House on the tree in the drive.
Great to hear Downs House has been sold and will be preserved and restored as racing stables. I am descendants of the Sherwoods, my father spent much of his childhood there until the family sold it in 1944. Just before my father died in 2008, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the then tenants The Mitchells, who kindly showed him around. It was almost entirely as he remembered, even down to the range cooker in the kitchen. I think he was always sad that it had passed from the family and it held a very special place in his heart. I have a few photos tucked away of the house with the Sherwoods outside. One of my Great Grandmother (who I knew and loved dearly) on her wedding day with all the guests in front of the house. Quite a house with a wealth of racing heritage.
+Steve Greene Thanks for watching & for adding your personal family history to it, i read about it's past before visiting & i to am glad it's being restored as a racing stables, something i was around in my early teens...the good old days at King Albert's who also had a fantastic kitchen range...i think this is a racing related big house "must have" cheers!
Hi Steve...2 yeas on is there any developments on Downs House being bought/restored? I heard rumoursfrom local stable staff that there we plans but have not seen/heard anything concrete?
As an equestrian lover, i found record of Eclipse, which i think it is the right stallion for this location, as you mentioned in the video : www.allbreedpedigree.com/eclipse and his history en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_(horse)
Rob Murkin Fortunately there has been a large restoration over the past months and the house is now in what looks to be living condition. It looks as if it may be on it way back to what it used to be
It's only "trespass" if you don't have permission! And for any other UK Urban Explorers here is what the law states! Civil trespass, also known as "simple" trespass, is not a criminal offence in the UK. You cannot be arrested for civil trespass, though police may attend if there's a possibility that another offence has been committed or will be committed. In England and Wales, you can be sued by the landowner in a civil court for trespass, in Scotland you can only be sued if actual damage was caused. Repeat trespass could be prevented if a landowner takes out an injunction, but this is unlikely in urbex situations. Simply put - Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints! In certain areas of the UK you may also be able to claim "The Right To Roam" (2005)
There is always something sad and romantic about old derelict racing stables , especially one that housed the great Eclipse , and so close to the wonderful Epsom racecourse as I am a great racing fan and am very nostalgic about history and racing this ticked all the boxes thank you for showing this haunting look at the old stables and lovely old property.
I use to live just up the road from here in the wells estate its nice to see a place I was close to I live in New Zealand now thanks for the video.
I used to ride from Wildwoods Riding Centre up to this house regularly.
My cousin does this daily.
Nice... "Giddy Up"
Thanks for adding your video. I have a passion for the Derby. I go every year, and was always curious about Downs House and all the racing history associated with it. It's great to get a look at this grand old place, and think of how it might of been in its heyday, especially the areas that Eclipse may once have trod.
ormonde1111 Was there also looking for the grave site of the racehorse Attivo, famously owned & commentated on winning by Sir Peter O'Sullevan....could not find it as the wooden memorial sign had disappeared, as had the one for Downs House on the tree in the drive.
Great to hear Downs House has been sold and will be preserved and restored as racing stables. I am descendants of the Sherwoods, my father spent much of his childhood there until the family sold it in 1944. Just before my father died in 2008, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the then tenants The Mitchells, who kindly showed him around. It was almost entirely as he remembered, even down to the range cooker in the kitchen. I think he was always sad that it had passed from the family and it held a very special place in his heart. I have a few photos tucked away of the house with the Sherwoods outside. One of my Great Grandmother (who I knew and loved dearly) on her wedding day with all the guests in front of the house. Quite a house with a wealth of racing heritage.
+Steve Greene Thanks for watching & for adding your personal family history to it, i read about it's past before visiting & i to am glad it's being restored as a racing stables, something i was around in my early teens...the good old days at King Albert's who also had a fantastic kitchen range...i think this is a racing related big house "must have" cheers!
Hi Steve...2 yeas on is there any developments on Downs House being bought/restored? I heard rumoursfrom local stable staff that there we plans but have not seen/heard anything concrete?
As an equestrian lover, i found record of Eclipse, which i think it is the right stallion for this location, as you mentioned in the video : www.allbreedpedigree.com/eclipse and his history en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_(horse)
+TheProudmomof4 Hey thanks, interesting history!
Has now been sold and will return as a racing stable
What's On In My Town Thanks for your update! & it's so good to hear that.
hi there....i see it's 2 years since your post and as far as i can see things are still the same?
Rob Murkin Fortunately there has been a large restoration over the past months and the house is now in what looks to be living condition. It looks as if it may be on it way back to what it used to be
Asbestos stable roofing?? otherwise terribly nostalgic.
The man who you can hear and also made this video was trespassing ilegaly.
It's only "trespass" if you don't have permission! And for any other UK Urban Explorers here is what the law states!
Civil trespass, also known as "simple" trespass, is not a criminal offence in the UK. You cannot be arrested for civil trespass, though police may attend if there's a possibility that another offence has been committed or will be committed. In England and Wales, you can be sued by the landowner in a civil court for trespass, in Scotland you can only be sued if actual damage was caused. Repeat trespass could be prevented if a landowner takes out an injunction, but this is unlikely in urbex situations.
Simply put - Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints! In certain areas of the UK you may also be able to claim "The Right To Roam" (2005)