S  t  a  g    G  a  t  e

This unusual stag, sat high on its arch alongside the A31, could be mistaken as feeling in a frisky mood, looking at a female deer in the distance. The truth however is that the original four legged figure appeared to have only three legs when viewed from the house, due to the line of sight. Hence the addition of a fifth leg ( or fourth from the house point of view, if you follow ).

However, Chris Drakes informs me that the thicker, fifth leg is
actually a tree stump that was probably incorporated to strengthen the design, and if you examine it from close to the wall on the right side, you will see that there are obvious marks on its design to show where branches were cut off, and it has a tree bark pattern.


Visiting:-
Best to park and walk, as this road is a death trap, there being a small turn off to Sturminster Marshall opposite this entrance gate.

Construction
I am unsure of what material the stag is made from, but you can just make out a bracing bar running between the antlers. There is a smaller stag sat on a gatehouse half way up the main drive to the house, however it looks rather emaciated compared to this fine example.

Additional Photograph
This is full size and takes longer to load.

Co-Ords: 392526 099372 / SY 925993  

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