Remains Of Gates, Gatepiers And Walls At Battlesden Lodge

SP 92 NE 4/36

BATTLESDEN WATLING STREET (A5) Remains of gates, gatepiers and walls at Battlesden Lodge

GV II

Entrance gateway to Battlesden House (now demolished). Part of work carried out 1860-1868 by G H Stokes (advised by Sir Joseph Paxton) for Sir Edward Page-Turner. Red brick with ashlar dressings, the one remaining gate cast iron. Consists of central carriage gateway flanked by smaller pedestrian gateways, formed by 4 piers, and linked to outer piers on road edge by symmetrical lengths of curving wall. The 6 piers are all approximately 2.5 metres high, the walls approximately half this height. Piers rusticated with ashlar blocks, with heavily moulded cornices. Those adjoining walls retain only parts of moulded stone consoles at junction. Only lower part of walls completely intact, half of LH wall retaining upper brickwork arranged in pierced design simulating balusters. Only LH pedestrian gateway retains ironwork gate, but without original cresting. Included for group value with Battlesden Lodge. Similar to more intact gateway at Milton Lodge, Milton Bryan (item 12 /60 ). D Bassett, "G H Stokes at Battlesden and Belle Vue", Architectural History, vol:26, 1983, pp.92-5. Beds, Record Office: T18/36, lease of 1868.

Listing NGR: SP9573728272