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The Shires has had a colourful existence. In 1774, with its then name Stonehouse, it was described as having "three bays of building, consisting of three rooms on a floor with garretts and a brew house, and a barn and a stable."
It was rebuilt in 1810 for John Lambe, who was rector for 32 years. It also boasts as rector Edward Bradley, a humorous writer turned clergyman who used the pen name Cuthbert Bede. Edward, who occupied the house until 1883, is best known for The Adventures of Mr Verdant Green.
During the next 100 years it was a private residence before becoming a social and travelling focal point because it was so close the Great North Road (in the days before motorways). Its clientele included well-known entertainers.
The village of Stretton, together with Stretton Stocking, is a regular feature of maps of Rutland from the Georgian period onward, and by 1820 Leigh's New Atlas and subsequent copies showed, in addition to the rectory, Hooby Lodge, the New Inn and Ram Jam House. |
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