Grotto Approx 30M N Of Lower Lodge To Prior Park

The grotto, located approximately 30 meters north of the Lower Lodge to Prior Park, dates from around 1740 and is sometimes referred to as Pope's Grotto, although it was likely created by Richard Jones. It is constructed from tufa or sponge stone and features a rough arch that rises to about 3 meters. To the left of the arch, there is a small rectangular opening in the attached walling. Current remains show a rectangular building with walling exposed to heights of up to 1 meter, made of ashlar or tufa, forming a rough rectangle approximately 2.5 meters deep and between 7 and 8 meters wide. The grotto is situated near the outer wall of the estate, adjacent to Ralph Allen's Drive, and is separated from other garden features, such as the former Serpentine, by the main approach drive used by Prior Park College. Originally, it was associated with a cascade and serpentine pool, which have since been replaced by later developments. Alexander Pope, who first visited Ralph Allen at Prior Park in 1737, mentioned "Mrs Allen's grotto and cascade" in a letter from 1740, indicating that these features were not yet completed at that time. A pupil at Prior Park Seminary in 1836 described a "dazzling assemblage of shells, fossils, minerals etc." in the grotto's roofing. Recent excavations have also uncovered some pieces of slate in the debris, which may have been part of the former external roof covering.