The Cold Bath, In The Middle Of Speedwell Belt

SP 9432-9532 WOBURN LONDON ROAD 9/124 The Cold Bath, in middle - of Speedwell Belt - II Remains of garden building known as the Cold Bath. Probably late C18 or early C19. Red brick structure cased in coursed rubble (mainly limestone) to E. A flew ashlar details. Consists of a single wall, apparently the E wall of what might originally have been a loggia. Single storeyed with 3 roughly round- arched heads, central one taller. W elevaton: 3 bays, central one broader. Central bay has 3 round-arched recesses, the ashlar impost bands and keystones with vermiculated rustication. Each arch also contains ashlar console at impost level. Arches surmounted by applied band. Central bay flanked by engaged antae (also with ashlar impost bands) which seem formerly to have supported arches perpendicular to wall. Outer bays have patches of coursed rubble. (the back of E elevation niches) and were apparently painted or stuccoed. Evidence at outer edges of returning walls with rubble casing wrapped around them. E elevaton: 3 bays, with broader projecting central bay. Deliberately rustic style coursed rubble. Central bay has fairly deep arched recess with roughly cut keystone. This is surmounted by semi-circular recess. Flanking round-arched niches with roughly cut keystones. Within angles formed by projection of central bay are engaged antae surmounted by ashlar volutes. 2 carved bearded grotesque heads approximately 1 metre high (discovered in adjacent pond and presently in store), evidently from the structure, although original siting not now obvious. Bedfordshire Record Office: CRT 130 Wob 47, notes on Woburn Abbey and associated buildings compiled by C. Rhodes.

Listing NGR: SP9555832413