In SW19 since 1919 - The fascinating history of Wimbledon Village Stables

We believe we are the oldest recorded riding stables in England. The late Richard Milward MA, a renowned local historian, researched the background of horses in Wimbledon over the years and found that the first recorded stables belonged to the Lord of the Manor, and are detailed in the Estate’s accounts of 1236-37.

The stables on our current site, behind the Dog & Fox pub in the High Street, were founded in 1919 by William Kirkpatrick and named Hilcote Stables; William’s daughter Jean took over on his retirement and continued to visit the stables until her death in 2005. From 1969, Hilcote Stables was leased to Colin Crawford, and when it came up for sale in 1980 and was bought by the current owner, Carol Andrews, it was renamed Wimbledon Village Stables.

We often welcome visitors into the yard who have very fond memories of the stables from years ago, and we always love to hear their stories. Riding here has obviously had a huge impact on so many people, and continues to do so to this day.