The Georgian Boathouse

The Georgian Boathouse is a boathouse or water temple built in the mid-18th century. It is constructed from limestone ashlar and features a vaulted roof that is covered in earth. The building has a plan that resembles an aisled basilica, complete with transepts and an apsidal west end. The wet dock serves as the 'nave' with three bays and a 'crossing', while the walkways function as the 'aisles', although these are currently submerged. The only entrance is from the lake and is partly collapsed, featuring three semi-circular arches supported by square piers with foliage-carved capitals.

Inside, the structure has a barrel-vaulted 'nave' and 'aisles' on square piers with vermiculated capitals and pilasters. Each bay includes a semi-circular niche in the wall. The 'crossing' contains an oval wet dock with a domed ceiling, and the aisles extend around the curved walls. The apsed west end has a partly collapsed wall that reveals some rustic stonework. This boathouse is likely part of Alderman William Beckford's building and landscape projects in Fonthill Park between 1740 and 1755, and it is associated with Fonthill Splendens.