Gateway, Formerly To Cromwell House

This is a gateway, originally dating to around 1700 for the piers and the early to mid-18th century for the wrought-iron gate. It was formerly part of Cromwell House, a manor house on the Thames at Mortlake. The gateway comprises a pair of Bath stone piers, with some stucco patching, featuring channelled, rusticated masonry. Each pier has a tall, semi-circular headed niche on its front face, with a set-back architrave, keystone, and moulded cornices at the springing. The piers are topped with Portland stone caps with ball finials, which are likely later additions. The piers sit on moulded plinth blocks, probably dating from 1962, and have projecting stone jambs on the inner reveals, suggesting a timber gate originally. The wrought-iron gate has plain uprights, a central band of fleur-de-lys, and a skirting band of spearheads. Flanking the gate are narrow fixed panels, and above is an overthrow with scrollwork, fleur-de-lys, and leaves. The gateway is now situated at the head of Williams Lane, having been relocated in 1962 from its original position on Cromwell Lane. It was removed when the land was redeveloped and re-erected as a foot-gate to a company bowling green, now a sports ground. Originally, the gateway provided access to a small forecourt between projecting wings of Cromwell House, which was rebuilt soon after 1700 and later demolished in 1857-8. This gateway is considered to be of high quality and representative of entrances to houses and gardens in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. While some repairs and replacements have occurred, the essential elements and original design of around 1700 remain. It serves as a valuable reminder of the historic manor house that once stood nearby.