The Temple Of Apollo

STOURTON WITH GASPER STOURHEAD GARDENS ST 73 SE (east side) 6/145 The Temple of Apollo (formerly listed as The Sun Temple) 6.1.66 GV I Temple. 1765 by Henry Flitcroft for Henry Hoare, design taken from a temple in Wood's Ruins of Baalbec, published 1757. Limestone ashlar. Circular, plinth with 8 steps on side overlooking lake, twelve Corinthian columns carry a scalloped entablature, each bay contains a semi-circular niche and oculus, formerly with lead statues which were moved to Stourhead House (q.v.) in 1903-04. Double doors with 6 fielded panels, moulded tympanum with keystones, on north side, flanking niches contain replica statues dating from 1907-08. Drum with lunettes and cornice to dome, 1950s replacement of a shallower original. Interior has painted brick walls, small stone fireplace, originally contained a large cast of Apollo, lit from above. Flitcroft was probably influenced by William Chambers' Temple of the Sun at Kew, 1761, a close copy of the Baalbec temple. (K. Woodbridge, The Stourhead Landscape, 1982)

Listing NGR: ST7738433831