The Temple

ST 91 NW TOLLARD ROYAL LARMER GROUNDS (south side)

8/195 The Temple

GV II

Temple. 1880. Limestone ashlar. Octagonal with domed stone roof. Two-step stylobate, half-glazed double doors, on opposing sides, have bead and reel moulded architraves, pediments; over north doorway is panel with lettering: AUGUSTUS PITT RIVERS/EREXIT/MDCCCLXXX, over south doorway a rococo panel. Windows with moulded architraves either side of doors, missing glazing bars to north side at time of survey (April 1985), panels with carved drapery and Roman objects such as a jug over each window. Entablature with drum frieze with key pattern and cornice to stone dome. Interior has decorated mosaic and marble floor, ashlar walls with shallow semi-circular niche in windowless east side, two doors and four windows have moulded architraves, white marble fireplace surround has eared egg and dart moulded architrave, frieze with swags and dentilled mantlepiece, good cast-iron grate. Domed stone ceiling with carved sun-ray motif. One of a group of buildings designed by General Pitt-Rivers for the Larmer Grounds, pleasure grounds which included an open-air theatre and picnic shelters, laid out for the recreation and education of the public in Cranborne Chase. (N. Pevsner, The Buildings of England, Wiltshire, 1975; Unpublished notes of Mr. M. Pitt-Rivers).

Listing NGR: ST9422816907