Icehouse approximately 6m north-east of East Dene house

Icehouse, built in the early C19, part of the former East Dene estate.

MATERIAL: brick construction.

DESCRIPTION: the icehouse is an earth-covered, round, brick structure with a dome roof; it is likely to extend below as a cone shape in common with other similar structures. It is embedded within a bank on the south side of East Dene’s principal drive. The 1997 survey identified a round-arch entrance passage on its south side; not accessible during the site visit (2023). It was also suggested in 1997 that there may be an access hole in the top of the brick dome; this feature was not observed during the most recent visit.

The top of the north and west sides of the icehouse, and part of its domed roof, are visible. The bricks are arranged with the headers facing outwards. The exposed section has been subject to damage and the loss of some of the brickwork. A large hole has exposed a rendered inner wall and evidence of a narrow cavity between it and the other wall; cavity walls were sometimes used in icehouses for additional insulation with the walls rendered to deal with condensation. The interior was not accessible.