Survey Data
Reg No
50030035
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Social
Previous Name
St Anne's
Original Use
Grotto
In Use As
Grotto
Date
1850 - 1870
Coordinates
321841, 237270
Date Recorded
24/11/2014
Date Updated
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Description
Grotto, erected c. 1860, having pointed arch opening. Rubble calp limestone walls to front (north-west) elevation. Abutment set perpendicular to façade, faced in rubble stone, now partially removed. Chamber with rubble stone walls and yellow brick groin vaulted ceiling. Set in earthen bank overlooking Naniken River.
Appraisal
This modest but well composed structure is an interesting addition to the landscape of St. Anne's Park. Invisible when approached from the south-east, it adds to a pleasing view looking down the Naniken River from the north-west. Benjamin Lee Guinness and his brother Arthur bought Thornhill Estate in 1835, renaming it St. Ann's after the nearby holy well and. Benjamin undertook considerable landscaping work and constructed several classical or rustic follies. This grotto forms part of a group along the river path, providing diversion and entertainment. It has been described as a hermitage, a type which was constructed to give the impression that it was occupied by a mysterious personage.