Park School House

Park School House, probably dating from the early 19th century, was originally built as a pavilion for Wilton House. It incorporates elements from a circa 1635 grotto designed by Isaac de Caux, which was re-erected in this location by Wyatt. The building is constructed of ashlar. It began as a three-bay pavilion – the right-hand portion – with a later two-bay extension added to the south. It features a projecting plinth, a pulvinated frieze, and a blocking course. A pedimented central break is flanked by engaged Ionic columns and spaces for flanking Ionic columns. A central blind arch is supported by columns and includes a bust of ‘Libertas’. Flanking doorways have architrave surrounds, now containing glazing bar sash windows; replica bays are present to the left and south return, some sections cement faced. The right-hand portion’s centrepiece may have also originated from de Caux’s grotto.

The north front, dating from approximately 1637-39, is of significant interest, with carved work originally attributed to Nicholas Stone Junior. This section features a pediment over a three-bay centre, with lower, set-back wings joined to the centrepiece by large scrolls above the blocking course. The ashlar construction is quoined with outer pilasters and inner engaged columns with composite capitals, capped by half-length nude figures supporting a corona. A pedimented doorway is centrally located, flanked by later sash windows. Bull's-eye windows are present in the wings, which also have pulvinated friezes. The centre is richly carved with deeply undercut grotesque faces and vegetation, which has survived well.

The interior of the room with the grotto front contains a coved and vaulted painted ceiling, depicting birds, dating to 1948 and signed Sander. High-quality doorcases and fireplaces are present throughout, and may be replicas.

To the north-east of the building, within the garden, stands a modern Tuscan temple housing a possible 16th-century marble relief. A pergola to the north supports a bust of Georgina Herbert on a stand, bearing the inscription: “Established and 1st taught in this school March 25th 1838. Her works do follow her.”