Heaven'S Gate

Heaven's Gate is a mid-18th century landscape feature located on a hilltop in Highclere Park, positioned axially on Sidown Hill and overlooking the park from the south. The structure is made of thick brick walls and features a tall central arch, flanked by smaller arches on either side. The symmetrical front, facing north, includes a pediment above a projecting rectangle that contains three panels, with triangular shapes on each side that have concave tops. These elements rest on a deep band that runs the entire width, with vases on plinths marking the outer points. The central arch features a plain stone key, an architrave moulding, and an impost band that connects to the keystones of the side arches, which also have panels above them. While all the mouldings are crafted from brickwork, some details have become unclear due to deterioration. The original structure collapsed in 1739 and was subsequently rebuilt.