Introduction
The gardens at Temple Guiting House are a late 18th- and early 19th-century creation with many features characteristic of the picturesque landscape style.
According to a 1986 survey by the Georgian Society surviving features of this miniature picturesque landscape include a terrace, lakes, a formal flower garden, a grotto, a tunnel, a ‘precipice' (for sublime intent) although now spoilt by a Victorian rockery against it, a spring fed stream with rustic steps over it, a plunge pool and ‘Roman' bath, a cyclopean bridge and a sunken drive. The time taken to undertake the works also reflects changes in garden style throughout its execution.
A rosary and french garden no longer exist.
- History
The development of the estate was commenced by Rev George Talbot (1715-85). His son inherited in 1785 and is the main figure in the development of the estate as a picturesque landscape. The works began about 1790 and proceeded gradually until at least 1826, mainly due to his need to close and divert paths and roads through the estate. The estate gradually became an object of much local admiration and is recorded in Francis Witt's diary of 1827 in some detail and again in the 1836 sale particulars after Talbot's death.
- Features & Designations
Style
Picturesque
Features
- Ornamental Bridge
- Description: Two footbridges
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- Ornamental Bridge
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- Icehouse
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- Grotto
- Description: Grotto with a tunnel entrance also listed grade II.
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- Bath House
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- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Survival
Part: standing remains
Civil Parish
Temple Guiting
- References
References
- Kingsley. N., {The Country Houses of Gloucestershire, Volume 2, 1660-1830} (Cirencester: Phillimore, 1992), pp. 246-8 The Country Houses of Gloucestershire, Vol. II 1660-1830
- Elrington, C.R. and Herbert, N.M.{Victoria County History: Gloucester, Volume 10} ([n.p.]: Oxford University Press, 1972), pp. 146-7 Victoria County History: Gloucester, Volume 10
Contributors
Gloucestershire Gardens & Landscape Trust