Grotto and tunnel in the gardens at Chilton Priory is a Grade II listed building in the Somerset local planning authority area, England. First listed on 9 December 2015. Grotto, tunnel. 2 related planning applications.
Grotto and tunnel in the gardens at Chilton Priory
- WRENN ID
- moated-dormer-wren
- Grade
- II
- Local Planning Authority
- Somerset
- Country
- England
- Date first listed
- 9 December 2015
- Type
- Grotto, tunnel
- Source
- Historic England listing
Description
A rustic grotto with adjacent dark tunnel built in c1839 by the antiquarian William Stradling for his pleasure ground at Chilton Priory.
MATERIALS: both are constructed in undressed and randomly coursed stone, and are covered with soil.
PLAN: the single cell grotto is almost circular in plan. The narrow tunnel makes a gentle curve following the meandering footpath.
EXTERIOR: the grotto has a Gothic-arched entrance giving access to small steps leading into the grotto. The wrought iron entrance gate, in poor condition, now stands against the wall inside the grotto. The tunnel entrances have Gothic style arches.
INTERIOR: inside the grotto and tunnel, the stonework is left untreated. The rear wall of the grotto contains three Gothic-arched niches and its domed ceiling contains a circular opening to allow light to enter. The inside of the tunnel is constructed in a Gothic-arched shape along its entire length.
Detailed Attributes
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