The Birdcage Arbour In Melbourne Hall Gardens

SK 38/3925 PARISH OF MELBOURNE CHURCH CLOSE 6/79 (East Side) 10.11.67 The Birdcage Arbour in Melbourne Hall Gardens GV I Garden pavilion. c1705-10 by Robert Bakewell. Erected as the centre piece of a French style garden designed by Royal Gardeners to Queen Anne, London and Wise, for Thomas Coke of Melbourne Hall, with work carried out by William Cooke of Walcot. Stuccoed brick and wrought iron. Unique cage-like structure of elaborate workmanship with open domed roof and open cupola over, also with small room behind with leaded roof. Flight of five stone steps lead up to the arbour which has an advanced doorcase flanked by elaborate panels of decorative ironwork with scrolls and foliage. Similar panels to sides of the Birdcage and above is the domed roof with iron oak leaves intertwining with scrolled panels. Similar treatment to cupola which is surmounted by a tall finial. Small room behind has a large segmental arch, into the Birdcage, with moulded keystone. Inside it has a fitted bench with turned legs. Included in the Derbyshire Historic Gardens Register at Grade I. See item 6/63 for sources. Also Country Life Jan 23, 1975, Pg 228.

Listing NGR: SK3921924985