The Towers

This is a monumental gateway, likely dating from the late 18th century. Constructed from coursed and dressed limestone with Doulting stone dressings, it features no roof. The design is in the Gothick style. The gateway comprises twin circular turrets, each with a pointed Y-tracery opening containing iron grilles facing the roadside, and a pointed arched opening on the opposite side. Below a cornice with a pear-drop frieze, there are quatrefoil openings, and above, castellated parapets, which are continued along the full-height link wall between the turrets. A large central pointed archway is flanked by shields bearing the Ilchester arms. Curved sweep walls extend to either side, terminating in octagonal ashlar piers with plinths and coved projecting caps. The gateway was built by Lord Ilchester as the principal entrance to Redlynch Park, and was likely intended to impress George III, who frequently visited the area on his journeys to Weymouth. Henry-Thomas, who succeeded to the title in 1776, built the gateway following his father’s elevation to the peerage as Lord Ilchester in 1741.