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
Elizabeth Missing Sewell published, besides those already mentioned, seven tales, of which "Ursula" (1858) is the most important. She wrote also many devotional works such as "Passing Thoughts on Religion" (1860) and schoolbooks. Of the former "Thoughts for Holy Week" (1857) and "Preparation for the Holy Communion" (1864) have been often reprinted, as late as 1907 and 1910 respectively. Her schoolbooks chiefly deal with history, and two volumes of "Historical Selections" (1868) were written in collaboration with Charlotte Yonge. Elizabeth Sewell contributed to the "Monthly Packet". Elizabeth Missing Sewell Elizabeth Missing Sewell (19 February 1815 – 17 August 1906) was an English author