Gay'S Cave And Diamond

Gay's Cave and Diamond is a grotto built in the late 18th century, possibly designed by Flitcroft or Chambers. It features a limestone facade and lining within a chalk-cut cave situated in a cliff above the River Avon, near the defenses of Vespasian's camp, which is an Iron Age hillfort. The surrounding spoil creates a front apron with inclined paths that form the 'diamond' shape in both plan and elevation. The facade is located at the end of a short dromos and includes an arch with springing and keyblocks, along with an open cornice. The mouldings are partly covered with uncut rock-faced stone, and there are iron gates with a fan top. Inside, the grotto has a square cell with arch-headed niches on each side and an arch leading to an apse at the rear, topped by a groined vault. There are settings in the floor for features that are now missing. This grotto is likely where John Gay wrote 'The Beggar's Opera' and 'Polly' during his extended stay, supported by the Duchess of Queensbury.