Shell Grotto Approximately 45 Metres North West Of St Audries School

The Shell Grotto, located approximately 45 metres northwest of St. Audries School, dates from the 1830s or 1840s and is possibly the work of Richard Carver of Taunton. It is constructed from random rubble made of assorted local stones and features inset ammonites, although it was almost completely covered by ivy during the survey in August 1983. The grotto has a roughly oval shape, with its entrance on the east front and lighting coming from the west and south fronts. It includes pointed arched windows with damaged tracery, which are also obscured by ivy. Access to the entrance is via an irregular flight of four steps, alongside a ledge that serves as a seat to the left. The entrance features a patterned pebble threshold similar to one found inside the grotto, and a pointed arched doorway with octagonal diamond and divided tracery, likely from the mid-19th century. The interior, which was only partially viewed, appears to have a cross-vaulted ceiling with a central pendent and subsidiary ones, some of which terminate in shells. The walls are encrusted with shells, including those not found in local waters, along with ammonites and mineral samples. The floor is made of patterned pebbles. At the time of the survey, the grotto was generally in poor condition.