Stone Screen And Flanking Sections Of Walling Enclosing Former Parterre On Frontage Of Shapwick Manor

The stone screen and flanking sections of walling enclosing the former parterre at Shapwick Manor date back to the 17th century, reputedly constructed in 1658 for Henry Bull. The structure is made of coursed and squared lias rubble and dressed stone, designed symmetrically around a central semi-circular headed archway. This archway features a moulded surround, emphasised imposts and key, and a moulded cornice. Above it is a central triangular pediment with moulded capping that extends to each side, topped with a large ball finial. Originally, there were rampant stone lions on either side, which were removed during a re-survey in December 1984.

On each side, there are dwarf rubble walls capped by balustrading arranged in three bays, with square piers at each end and between each bay. Each pier is topped with a tall obelisk finial and vase balusters. There is also a section of rubble wall flanking a broad gateway, and to the right, a stone mounting block with five steps. The central archway includes a 19th-century gate.