The Gothic Temple: A splendid historic folly within the National Trust’s Stowe
Gothic Temple, Stowe Landscape Gardens, Stowe, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5DF
A rare chance to see inside the Gothic Temple, a splendid folly built in 1741 by architect James Gibbs. It was one of Lord Cobham's last additions to his famous landscape at Stowe and dedicated by him 'To the Liberties of our Ancestors.'
This Temple, built in 1741, is a high point in the famous landscape gardens at Stow, created for Lord Cobham by Charles Bridgeman and his successor, William Kent. Also in 1741, Capability Brown arrived as a gardener, to begin his own transformation of the landscape, and the Gothic Temple reflects the shift in tastes in both architecture and landscape. Inside, the rooms are all circular and the dome of the central space is bright with gilded heraldic mosaics, with a gallery running all around. Rescued by the Landmark Trust in the 1970s and now normally let for holidays, bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom are squeezed into the turrets. A rare chance too to take in The Temple's unique views of the famous landscape in which it stands.
Admission to Gothic Temple is free but needs to be booked. Please note, normal NT entrance prices apply for access to Stowe Gardens (Stowe Gardens are opening free as part of Heritage Open Days on Sunday 17th September).
This event took place in September 2023 and the entry is now archived.
Organised by
The Landmark Trust
Date last modified: 26th July 2023 at 18:23