Front Garden Wall To Number 52 And Gazebo

The front garden wall to Number 52 and the gazebo are 17th century structures located on Crooms Hill, SE10. The high red brick wall supports a gazebo, likely designed by Robert Hooke in 1672, which is accessible from a higher ground level inside. The gazebo features a pyramidal tiled roof topped with an oval wooden finial, and has a moulded wooden eaves cornice adorned with carved modillions.

The northwest wall of the gazebo is blank, while the southwest wall includes an open round arch that once held detached Roman Doric columns and entablatures, with a moulded round architrave above. The southeast wall has a square-headed opening with a shouldered, moulded brick architrave and cornice, which previously contained a round inner arch.

On the northeast (road) front, there is a square opening with a moulded brick architrave resting on a band raised in the center. Brick pilasters and curved consoles support a cornice and a scrolled open pediment, which features a shield between the wings. A panel within the architrave displays the date "1672." Inside, there is an ornamental saucer domed ceiling. The building received a grant for restoration from the Historic Buildings Council in 1959.