Sewell Barn Theatre space for presentations, meetings and other private hire uses. Originally the barn belonged to Clare House which was owned by Philip Sewell, a local benefactor, from 1864 to 1906. Anna Sewell, author of the children’s story "Black Beauty", was Philip’s sister and lived in the White House, Spixworth Road, Spixworth. Philip owned a mare called Black Bess which used to draw his carriage along Spixworth Road and it might be supposed that Bess was the original inspiration for Black Beauty, and the barn a prototype for Black Beauty’s stable. The book was published by Jarrolds in 1877. Philip Sewell died
George Sewell Soldier Spy" (1979), in which he played Mendel, and the "Doctor Who" story "Remembrance of the Daleks" (1988), in which he played builder's merchant and fascist leader Ratcliffe. He also appeared frequently in films, notably "This Sporting Life" (1963), "Poor Cow" (1967) and "Get Carter" (1971). He was the subject of "This Is Your Life" in 1973 when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews while filming scenes for the TV series "Special Branch". His brother, Danny Sewell, a former boxer, also became an actor. George Sewell died from cancer on 2 April 2007 at the age of 82. George Sewell