Boathouse, Upper Pond

The Boathouse at Upper Pond is a structure likely designed as part of 'Capability' Brown's landscaping for Petworth Park around 1756. It was certainly present by 1810, as evidenced by a painting of Petworth Park by Turner from that year. The boathouse is made of stone and features two elliptical arches at water level, each with a large keystone that has a relief of Neptune, which was probably salvaged from the Fount House built in 1694. Above the arches is a viewing platform with a seat that overlooks the lake, accessed by a round-headed arched doorway. The rear wall of the boathouse slopes down to the level of the springing of the arches.