Screen With Alcove And Niches South South West Of Heythrop House

This is an ornamental garden screen located south-southwest of Heythrop House, dating from the early 18th century, likely around 1710, and attributed to Thomas Archer for the Duke of Shrewsbury. Constructed from ashlar, the screen features three bays, with a prominent alcove in the central bay that has a segmental arch, flanked by round-headed niches. All these elements have arris mouldings and are topped with a cyma moulded cornice. Inside the alcove, there are three small round-headed niches and a groin vault. The flanking niches each include stone shelves designed for statues. At the back of the screen, there is a semi-circular bay made of large rustic blocks, and the walls on either side are supported by concrete buttresses. This screen, along with the nearby bath house and its reservoir, represents an early example of a naturalistic garden.