Small Grotto Below Temple Of Flora

The small grotto below the Temple of Flora in Stourton with Gasper is a Grade II listed structure built in 1744 by Henry Flitcroft. It features a rustic limestone segmental arched recess that was originally part of a larger design, which included a statue of a River God by Thomas Manning, purchased in 1743 and set above a cascade. Flitcroft's design was created before the water level was raised to form the lake, which resulted in the cascade being submerged and the statue likely removed around 1754. This grotto, along with the Temple of Flora, was Henry Hoare's first contribution to the gardens.