The Temple

The Temple is an octagonal building constructed in 1880, made of limestone ashlar with a domed stone roof. It features a two-step stylobate and has half-glazed double doors on opposite sides, which are adorned with bead and reel moulded architraves and pediments. Above the north doorway is a panel with the inscription: AUGUSTUS PITT RIVERS/EREXIT/MDCCCLXXX, while the south doorway has a rococo panel. On either side of the doors are windows with moulded architraves, although the north side was missing glazing bars at the time of the survey in April 1985. Each window is decorated with panels featuring carved drapery and Roman objects, such as a jug. The building has an entablature with a drum frieze displaying a key pattern and a cornice leading to the stone dome.

Inside, there is a decorated mosaic and marble floor, with ashlar walls that include a shallow semi-circular niche on the windowless east side. The interior also has two doors and four windows with moulded architraves. A white marble fireplace surround features an eared egg and dart moulded architrave, a frieze with swags, and a dentilled mantlepiece, along with a good cast-iron grate. The domed stone ceiling is embellished with a carved sun-ray motif. The Temple is part of a group of buildings designed by General Pitt-Rivers for the Larmer Grounds, which served as pleasure grounds that included an open-air theatre and picnic shelters, intended for the recreation and education of the public in Cranborne Chase.