Grotto below south terrace at Crowe Hall

Grotto. Mid- to late C18.

MATERIALS: Tufa and limestone.

PLAN: Complex grotto in three parts, at highest level path passes under two rough arches joined by rough vault, and this in turn carries path over.

EXTERIOR: Flight of thirteen stone steps descends to main chamber, entering under a rough arch with tree-trunk props, embellished with artificial ‘twigs’. Main chamber is circular, and may originally have had rough domed vault, but open to sky. Opposite the foot of the stairs are three rough arched openings in wall, and to right arched entry opposite which rough arch leads to enclosed lower chamber, down three steps, with niche to each side, and exit to south, lower unit completely vaulted.