The Temple

BRAY MONKEY ISLAND LANE SU 97 NW (north side, off) 10/26 Bray 25.3.55 The Temple G.V. I

Summerhouse, now offices for the Monkey Island Hotel, listed separately (10/25). Early C18 for Charles Spencer, third Duke of Marlborough. Stone, now rendered; small, hipped, slate roof surmounted by ball finial. Nearly square plan, with splayed projecting bay on west, and large extension on north. Formerly open on the ground floor. 2 storeys. Symmetrical, each front is of 3 bays; rusticated ground floor, plat band at first floor, Ionic pilasters above, with dentil cornice and blocking course over. Pedestals below pilasters with cap and base; balustrade between. Sash windows with glazing bars, those on ground floor with semi-circular heads, and balustrade under. West front has splayed bay in centre, built forward on ground and first floors with pedimented top on shaped brackets. Windows on first floor of other fronts have semi-circular heads and radiating glazing bars. Interior: ground floor: inner ring of 6 Doric columns with corresponding pilasters in rusticated wall; panelled octagonal ceiling. Geometrical staircase with iron scroll balusters and mop handrail leads to first floor room richly decorated having elaborate plaster ceiling with mermaids, festoms and garlands; dentilled cornice with acanthus leaf, egg and dart mouldings; wall panelling to window-head height enriched with egg and dart; bead and reel ornament. The extension on the north, consisting of bedrooms for the Monkey Island Hotel, is of no special interest.

Listing NGR: SU9148079069