Garden Temple About 500 Metres East Of Church Of St John The Evangelist

The garden temple, located about 500 metres east of the Church of St John the Evangelist in Shobdon, was likely built around 1750 for the 2nd Viscount Bateman, although the architect is unknown. It is constructed from yellow limestone, possibly Bath stone, with ashlar facing over Pennant stone steps. The rear wall is made of sandstone rubble and red brick, and the roof has a timber underside, with the upper roof covered in corrugated iron at the time of inspection.

This tetrastyle prostyle temple features four Ionic columns that are splayed and lack mouldings at the base. The floor and steps are made of Pennant stone, although some steps are missing, and they rest on foundations supported by brick arches. The architrave is elaborately decorated, and the pulvinated frieze showcases a running foliage design surrounding a central winged cherub's head. The pediment's centre is adorned with modillions, six-leaved flowers on the soffit, and egg and dart mouldings, which are also present on the principal cornice. The rear wall includes two Ionic pilasters and retains some traces of render. This temple is part of the significant enhancements made at Shobdon Park around 1750 for the 2nd Viscount Bateman and is notable for its unique interpretation of the Ionic order.