Gatepiers And Gates To Ramsdell Hall

The gatepiers and gates to Ramsdell Hall date from the early 18th century and late 18th century, respectively. The pair of gatepiers is made of yellow sandstone ashlar and features trophies of Portland stone. Each pier has a square plan with projecting plinths and moulded tops. The corners are slightly recessed and adorned with blocks of vermiculated rustication that are flush with the central panels. At the top of these corners, there are short pieces of cavetto moulding decorated with bay leaf motifs, creating a frieze effect for the cyma-moulded capitals. The center of each face consists of plain ashlar with a projecting panel that has ovolo-moulded edges and arched tops and bottoms. Each pier is topped with an eagle that holds a shield surrounded by a laurel wreath, along with a hog's head crest, all intricately carved in Portland stone. The double gates feature an arched overthrow decorated with C-scrolls and repoussé leaves, and the gates themselves have dog and lock rails filled with C-scroll designs.