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
Brian Sewell himself a Roman Catholic, prompting an emotional response to the faith of pilgrims at Lourdes. The series attracted large audiences and won the Sandford St. Martin Trust award for Best Religious Programme. Following "The Naked Pilgrim" Sewell presented on two more series for Channel 5: "Brian Sewell's Phantoms & Shadows: 100 Years of Rolls-Royce" in 2004 and "Brian Sewell's Grand Tour" in 2006. Sewell also appeared as a guest film reviewer on Channel 5's "Movie Lounge", where he frequently savaged films. In "Dirty Dalí: A Private View" on Channel 4 on 3 June 2007, Sewell described his acquaintance with Salvador