Archway In Garden To South Of The Priory

The archway in the garden to the south of The Priory is a freestanding garden gateway dating from around 1750. It is constructed of ashlar stone and features a plain opening without a gate or door. The gateway is supported by heavily vermiculated stone piers and a tympanum, which rests on a slight plinth and a deep plain impost band. It has a semicircular arch with a very large ashlar keystone that carries a moulded open pediment with a cyma-recta cornice, finished with plain stops. The arch and jambs have a simple drafted edge, and the design is identical on both sides of the gateway. Originally, the gateway crossed a driveway leading to the kitchen garden, but it was relocated to its current position when a new driveway was created to the north of the house in the 19th century. The overall design is heavy and has an expression reminiscent of the work of architect Vanbrugh.