GOTHIC TEMPLE

It’s actually possible to stay overnight in this temple, which is owned and has been lovingly restored by the Landmark Trust. Use it as your base to explore the grounds or just laze around pretending you’re a Georgian aristocrat! Even better, dogs are allowed.

One of the last additions to the famous garden, dating to 1741, the building was the brainchild of James Gibbs who had, with William Kent, succeeded John Vanbrugh as chief architect at Stowe.

Inside, the domed ceiling is decorated with the coats of arms of Lord Cobham’s ancestors.

“I thank the gods that I am not a Roman,” it says over the doorway in French. This may seem out of step with classical elements of the garden, but Anna explains in the 17th and 18th century the Gothic style was equated with the Anglo-Saxons, who had come to signify Liberty and Government by Constitution as a force against the despotism of the Roman world.

As befitted its churchlike character, the Temple was only sparsely furnished and, unlike many garden pavilions, it is unlikely that it was used for picnics and entertainments. Ironic, given the fun you can have there now!

It was mainly intended for brief visits in the course of the long tour of the gardens, to include taking in the magnificent views from the roof terrace.

For further information visit www.landmarktrust.org.uk; Tel: 01628 825925. The Gothic Temple will also be opened for visitors to see inside on September 21-22 as part of Heritage Open Days (see Autumn Diary, page 83).