Carfax Conduit

Carfax Conduit is a conduit that now serves as an eyecatcher, built in 1617 by mason John Clarke for Otho Nicholson. The lower part was rebuilt in 1686, likely by mason Thomas Wood, and in 1789, it was relocated to Nuneham Park by the 2nd Earl Harcourt. Constructed from limestone ashlar, it has a square plan. Each face of the lower stage features a recessed panel, flanking pilasters, and an entablature with a triglyph frieze that incorporates the arms of Oxford and the University. The ornamental pierced balustrade displays the letters ONON on each face and is topped with a cresting of standing figures, obelisks, and cartouches with heraldic beasts at the corners.

Supporting the octagonal superstructure are four ornamental flying buttresses, which contain eight niches with standing figures positioned between mermaid caryatids. The openwork, covered with fish-scales, is bordered by eight figures and topped with a finial consisting of two figures back to back. The intricate decoration presents a complex allegory with numerous references to the original purpose of the conduit. Tablets on two sides of the lower structure commemorate the establishment of the conduit in the park, in both English and Latin. This structure serves as a focal point within the significant landscape designed by Lancelot Brown.