Retaining Wall With Niches And Column, Circa 3.5 North Of Buckland Tout Saints

The retaining wall with niches and a column, located approximately 3.5 meters north of Buckland-Tout-Saints, dates from the 17th or 18th century. Constructed from rubble, the wall extends from a return pier opposite the northeast corner of the nearby hotel, running along the full length of the north side and beyond to a return wall. It supports a higher garden level and is overgrown at the top. The wall features three niches, each approximately 2.25 meters high, 1.75 meters wide, and 1.25 meters deep, with well-coursed hemispherical tops. Each niche has a square 'flue' opening on either side at springing level. To the left of the niches, there is a half-column of early medieval design, made from coursed stone with an octagonal base, although its cap is concealed. This column may be a remnant from an early manor or grange that once stood on the site. The purpose of the square openings at the springing of the arches remains unclear.