Cascade And Associated Pool And Steps Circa 70 Metres South East Of Cowley Manor

COWLEY COWLEY VILLAGE SO 9614

10/86 Cascade and associated pool and steps c70m south-east of Cowley Manor

GV II

Cascade and associated pool and steps, built c1860 for James Hutchinson. Cascade: ashlar alternating with bands of coursed squared and dressed limestone, in the process of restoration in limestone rubble at the time of the resurvey, January 1987. Pool and steps: dressed limestone. Plan: cascade with step down from the upper level either side align the central part of the cascade on a circular pool with central fountain and further flights of steps. The cascade comprises a retaining wall c20m long and 6m deep including a low parapet wall; pilasters with banded rustication at regular intervals along the wall; grotesque bearded heads between the pilasters, from which water from the lake above issues, the water from the central head issues into a horizontally set shell, thence falling into a rectangular pool with two quadrant walls incorporating 4 pedestals, two retaining eagle statuettes on the east side; a flight of shallow steps down to a circular pool; 8 pedestals with lion statuettes at intervals around the pool; small fountain at the centre; shallow flight of steps down towards the lower lake, aligning on a squat marble column with limestone upper part possibly intended as the base for a sundial. (Country Life 4.8.1906)

Listing NGR: SO9651914567