Bawdsey Manor Pulhamite Cliff structures

MATERIALS: artificial structures constructed with early-C19 yellow stock brick (probably from the demolished Martello tower) rendered with Pulhamite, a cement mixed with shale, shingle and, in this case, shell inclusions gathered from the beach below.

PLAN: the cliff measures approximately 45m high and 121m in length along a naturally occurring red crag cliff. The Pulhamite structure continues westwards from the top of the cliff to form the southern boundary of the round garden established on the site of Martello tower 'V'.

EXTERIOR: the structure incorporates a path midway between the top of the cliff and the beach, accessed at the southern end. Most of the path is accessible, except at the northern end where there has been some slippage. The Pulhamite structure is designed to create crags and planting areas, folding rock-like contours, seats, a waterfall traversed by a bridge, two small caves and a grotto near to the centre. The grotto has a belvedere, punctuated with viewing holes and seating areas within. At the rear, it is accessible from the round garden through an ornate timber door; on the cliffside, steps from the grotto lead down to a lower path near the beach.

On the top of the cliff, three tunnels access the round garden through the Pulhamite rock bank. Another tunnel at the east side of the garden leads to the back of the grotto. West of the round garden, a Pulhamite tunnel leads back to the house and another heads west to the current car park.

INTERIOR: the grotto is supported on central pillars formed from ceramic pipe with a concrete render. There are Pulhamite seats within.