S t o u r h e a d

T h e  R o c k  A r c h

The Rock Arch is a bridge crossing a narrow lane built in 1762 from Tufa brought from Italy and large knobbly rocks of various shapes and sizes.

It is basically a rockery but one of a very grand scale indeed. The visitor may climb this quirky structure by means of a twisting path passing through small windowed chambers, leading to woods on the other side.

At first glance the rocky structure can seem dare one say, ugly in comparison to the rest of the buildings in the gardens, posing the question 'what on earth was Hoare thinking when he added this?' But the real charm of the 'rockery' is only revealed to the visitor once they have passed through the chambers emerging in the woods. One turns and looks back at the stunning beauty of the tufa bridge they have just unwittingly walked over, proving that Henry Hoare and Flitcroft knew exactly what they were doing..

 

Richard Hoare had demolished several other buildings including the Chinese Temple, Gothic Boathouse, an Umbrello and a Hermitage. But the Arch remained. It was repaired by the National Trust in the 1960's.

Nearby, almost obscured by trees can still be found the Hermits Cell. It is a little arched seat, now very neglected and looking very sorry for itself.

             

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