Hermit'S Cell The Root House

BADMINTON C.P. BADMINTON PARK ST 88 SW

7/33 Hermit's Cell alternatively known as The Root House

• II*

Park building or rustic folly used as a hermitage. Circa- 1750 by Thomas Wright of Durham. Constructed of wood with a thatched roof which has overhanging eaves : 4 large knotty tree trunks at the corners; the walls are infilled with branches, roots and sawn timber. Single storey small square building with bowed sides which have 2-light pointed Gothick windows. Pediments to front and rear, also formed out of tree trunks, with oval windows in the tympanum, formed out of hollow sections of trunks. At east end is the entrance : the rustic plank door is framed by irregular inverted fork of a tree. At the rear (west), a similar inverted fork shelters a rustic seat which has an ogee back with an inscription of nailheads, which reads: "HERE LOUNGERS LOITER - HERE THE WEARY REST". Interior: segmental arched niches with pilasters to sides and rear, lined with bark and moss; ribbed and panelled suspended ceiling constructed of timber with bark, moss and burr elm covering. Harris, E., Country Life, 9.IX.71. and Jones, B. Follies and Grottoes, 1953, revised 1974.

Listing NGR: ST8113483850