Horse Temple

The Horse Temple is a landscape building located in Cirencester, dating from the early 18th century. It is constructed from limestone ashlar with a coursed squared limestone rubble plinth and rear wall, and it is currently unroofed. The structure is a three-bay rectangular pavilion featuring an applied Doric order. The front has three round-headed openings with flat unmoulded surrounds and keystones above moulded imposts. The applied Doric order includes four pilasters and a full entablature that breaks forward over the pilasters. The parapet has a plinth and moulded coping, with narrow dies topped by ball finials above the pilasters. The two-bay returns have a balustrade in the front opening and a blind opening at the rear. Access is provided via steps to the rear left through an unfinished opening in the rear wall. The entire building is raised on a deep plinth made of coursed squared limestone rubble. Originally, the Horse Temple faced the Hexagon down Windsor Walk but was moved to its current location after 1779, likely when the Kennels were constructed in 1837.