S t o w e  G a r d e n s

T h e  Q u e e n 's  T e m p l e

Hawkwell Field

The highest point of Hawkwell Field is overlooked by The Queen's Temple, designed and built by James Gibbs in 1742. Gibbs was also responsible for the construction of the Gothic Temple that stands nearby, in the centre of Hawkwell Field. Lady Cobham and her female companions frequently used this temple for meetings and the like, and so it became known as "the ladies Temple". Inside, the walls were adorned with artwork and murals by Francesco Sleter, a venetian painter who lived in England, that depicted typical feminine pursuits: Music, needlework, painting and shell work.

Lord Temple refaced the exterior of the Temple and added the front portico, possibly around 1773, to a design of Lord Camelford.

Some year's later, the Temple's interior then underwent a significant change by the Marquess of Buckingham, and Vincenzo Valdre. The ceiling was altered to mimic the Temple of the Sun and Moon in Rome, and the walls were divided by pink scagliola pillars, with beautiful stucco medallions, depicting Brittannia sacrificing to the God of health, Aesculapius.

The original Sleter murals were removed, and the Temple was renamed "The Queen's Temple", in honour of Queen Charlotte in 1790, in respect for her devotion and to her nursing of her husband, George III during his illness. Had the King not recovered, a regency would have been declared, possibly allowing Fox to take the position of Prime Minister away from Buckingham's cousin William Pitt. In nursing her husband back to health, Charlotte had saved the Pitt-Grenville Government from certain decline.

Above and Below: The Queen's Temple has 2 large Venetian doors at both its North and South fronts. Stowe School now use this Temple as a music room.

The vista from the North front overlooking Hawkwell field is shown below. The tallest turrets of the Gothic Temple can just be made out over the tree line.

Visitors from this point begin their descent into the woods in the Eastern side of the Elysian Fields, and to their first encounter with the stunning water features of the gardens.

 

 

 

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