Gatepiers To Rockhills

The gate piers to Rockhills are a pair of mid-19th century structures designed in a Classical style. They served as the entrance to Rockhills, the residence of Sir Joseph Paxton, who was the designer of the nearby Crystal Palace. Paxton lived in the house from 1852 until his death in 1865, but the main house was destroyed during the Second World War. The gate piers are made of cast iron and stand approximately 6 feet high, featuring square shapes with moulded bases and cornices, fluted capitals, and round-headed panels adorned with rosette decorations. Above these panels is Greek key decoration, topped with antefixae. The wooden gates, which have cast iron spear rails, are a late 20th century replica of the originals and are not included in the listing. It is said that these gate piers were a gift to Paxton from Queen Victoria.