Cave/Icehouse Situated At North Western End Of The Lake

TL 81 NE GREAT BRAXTED BRAXTED PARK ROAD BRAXTED PARK

2/58 Cave/Icehouse situated at north western end of The Lake

GV II*

Cave/Icehouse. C18/C19. Red brick with some stone. Probably for the Du Cane family. An unusual structure, the arched cave entrance faces onto the lake. Arrow head railings to right and left of central gateway. The depth approx. 5 metres, height 3 metres. There is a recess in the left wall at ground level with a lintel beam over, possibly a fireplace at one time. To the right is a small entrance tunnel approx. 6 metres long. The rear wall has a small central window opening and a doorway through which steps lead down into the main ice house. There is a 4 metres diameter central circular dome with a small moulded brick top opening. Eight 3 metres high square brick pillars with stone lintels 1 metre apart support the dome and from their stone imposts brick ribs spring to pilasters on the outer wall, forming an outer vaulted walk way, 11/2 metres wide, possibly used as a game larder at one time. Between some columns are low walls with stone coping. Rear right is a low arched entrance tunnel. Rear left, a low archway leads into a smaller circular domed icehouse. A large tree covered mound covers the complex surmounted by a circular platform with gault brick support walls. The platform is stone slabbed, the outer slabs tied with lead covered iron cleats. 3 moulded stone steps approach the platform above the Cave. For a wager of £100 made by Peter Du Cane a man lived in the Cave for 1 year without washing or shaving. An unusually large and elaborate icehouse.

Listing NGR: TL8508815647