Walls And Gazebo In Garden To North Of Old Bell Hotel

The walls and gazebo located in the garden to the north of the Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury date from the 17th to 19th centuries, with some medieval elements still visible. They incorporate remains of demolished post-medieval cottages and feature early 20th-century landscaping, including a gazebo built around 1900-1910. The structure is made of limestone rubble, while the gazebo is constructed from ashlar and topped with a slate roof, designed in the Arts and Crafts style.

The terrace consists of retaining and perimeter walls that run parallel to the end of the garden and the south side of Mill Lane. These walls are separated by buttress sections with water tables and include medieval carved work, extending approximately 150 meters from the northeast corner of the Old Bell Hotel extension along the back of the garden. The gazebo, which is attached to the garden wall, features tall windows, a pyramidal roof with seven triangular dormers and a finial, and has steps leading up to the entrance.

Inside the gazebo, there are notable details such as an Arts Nouveau style fireplace and a timber roof pendant. Historically, the retaining wall on the south side follows the line of the former castle wall built by Bishop Roger around 1130. The northern section along Mill Lane likely follows the ditch of the Burghal Hidage defenses and marks the northern boundary of the late Saxon abbey precinct.