Grottos To West Of Warmley House

The grottos located to the west of Warmley House date from the mid to late 18th century. They are visually appealing and likely served more than just an ornamental purpose. The walls and vaults are lined with black slag material. The central area, which was formerly domed, features four recesses and four axial chambers or tunnels; one of these tunnels is double to the east, while another to the west leads to an icehouse with an exit in the garden. Two of the vaults have pointed barrel shapes.

To the west, there is a wall that likely supported hothouses. This wall is approximately 15 feet high and about 40 feet long, with a slight return to the southwest. It contains four blocked arches filled with patterned brick and slag. There is an arched doorway on the right with a brick head, while a similar doorway on the left now has a wooden lintel. Associated derelict walls extend as far as a tree-clad tumulus. The grottos support the terrace to the west of Warmley House.