Steps, Walls, Ornamental Vases And Sundial Forming Junction Between Rose Garden And North Lawn At Barrow Court

The steps, walls, ornamental vases, and sundial at Barrow Court were created around 1890 by F. Inigo Thomas. The structure features coursed rubble at the base of the walls and lower archway, with ashlar dressings and copings, as well as ironwork railings. A series of stone steps flanks a rusticated archway that spans a semi-circular pond. At the top of the steps, there is a viewing platform made of stone flags, positioned centrally along the north boundary axis path of the Rose Garden. The archway includes a lion's head spout, which directs water into the Lily Pond. The platform is bordered on the north side by iron railings topped with urn finials and wrought iron panels inspired by Tijou. Two ornamental vases with slim tapered necks and gadrooned bowls are placed at each corner as the steps rise. Centrally located on the platform is a sundial with a baluster-shaped shaft featuring acanthus carving and a copper plaque, although the shadow bar is missing. These elements are part of a well-designed formal garden layout by Thomas for Henry Martin Gibbs, which is also listed in the Historic Gardens Register: Part 1 Avon.