Temple Of Fame On Cliff Top At South Side Of Moon Pond

The Temple of Fame is a rotunda located on a cliff top at the south side of Moon Pond, built in 1729 by Thomas Buck and Robert Doe for John Aislabie. It was moved from its original site and rebuilt, likely between 1780 and 1781, by William Aislabie, and has undergone restorations in the 19th century and late 20th century. The structure features a gritstone podium and pillar bases, wooden pillars, and a lead-covered dome. Access to the platform, which is approximately 4 meters in diameter, is via three steps with slabs laid in radiating circles. The rotunda is supported by eight Roman Doric columns, and the fluted entablature includes paterae and a modillioned cornice, topped with a parapet and dome. Originally, the rotunda had Ionic columns and was situated near the Banqueting House, but it has since been relocated to provide a viewpoint towards that structure across the Moon Pond. During restorations, three different styles of capital were discovered, and two stone column drums now stand at the gateway to Fountains Hall. The design from 1781, which influenced the 1970 restoration, may have been created by Robert Adam, who worked for William Aislabie at his properties in Grosvenor Square and Hendon.