The Conservative Wall

The Conservative Wall is a greenhouse built around 1832 as a forcing wall by Paxton and Robertson, later converted into a greenhouse between 1848 and 1850 by Paxton. It is constructed of sandstone ashlar, timber, and glass, measuring 331 feet long and 7 feet wide, and is stepped up the hillside, divided into eleven units. The north side features an ashlar wall without openings, while the south side has a coped ashlar plinth topped with a timber and glass superstructure. Each unit has four vertical glazing bars, and there is a decorative valance and parapet. The entrance area is taller and has five units on either side. It includes a flight of stone steps leading up to a tall round-arched entrance with a traceried fanlight. The Gardens and Park surrounding the structure are listed on the Gardens Register at Grade I.