S t o w e  G a r d e n s

T h e   G o t h i c   T e m p l e

Hawkwell Field is dominated by the Temple of Liberty or Gothic Temple, by James Gibbs. its construction began in 1741 and was completed in 1744. The Gothic style in which it was chosen to be built, signified the ancient liberties of the Englishman. The Magna Carta, Parliamentary representation, and trial by jury, are all believed to be Gothic or Saxon in origin. Inscribed over the door is a quotation in French, "I thank the Gods I am not a Roman". This statement could be interpreted, that an 18th century Englishman, may have been better off than a Roman citizen, due to the English political institutions.

The Gothic Temple is another, if not the best, of the most visually striking buildings at Stowe, it is huge, being built from ginger iron-stone, giving it a "rusty" dare one say, "ugly" appearance. It is triangular in plan with castellated gables, 3 Gothic Pentagonal turrets, battlements, large Gothic windows and blind arches, quarter foils, and tall, knobbly Gothic pinnacles. It could be the perfect example of a sinister building, one would expect to see used as a backdrop in a classic, English 1960's "Hammer Horror Film", perhaps with Peter Cushing, complete with wooden stake, in hot pursuit of his vampire quarry in the foreground.

It is surrounded by tall, Cedar trees. Inside, it has a hall with domed ceiling that is beautifully painted with the posthumous heraldry, of Lord Cobham's Saxon ancestors. The original 7 Saxon deities once stood below, brought from the western garden of Stowe house, but were later removed.

Restored by the Landmark trust it is now rented out as a highly desired holiday home, details of which (and very limited availability), can be found by following this link:

Above: The Gothic Temple from the north front.

Above and below: A curious little tree stump has been carved into a seat overlooking the Octagon lake and Lamport Gardens.

 

 

 

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