![]()
HOME
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
P R O F I L E |
||||
![]() ![]() Staunton Country Park Middle Park Way Havant Hampshire United Kingdom PO9 5HB Telephone: 0239 245 3405 The first gardens on the site were begun by William Garrett who purchased the land in 1802. After an aborted attempt to sell the land it was eventually purchased in 1820 by politician and botanist Sir George Thomas Staunton as part of his country estate 'Leigh Park'. He made significant changes and additions to the gardens with the construction of the lake and a number of follies including the grotto. ![]() ![]() The estate and gardens were purchased by the city of Portsmouth in June 1944 and the gardens were transferred to the parks committee in 1950. The house was demolished in 1959. The estate was established as a Country Park in 1987. Today (2014) the Grotto or Shell House is in desperate need of care and attention. Pictures: 1 The Grotto Shell House, near the lake and terrace. 2. Flintwork. 3. Interior shell indentations. 4. The Lake. The initial construction of the lake took place between 1828 and 1836. A three arched bridge known as the Chinese bridge was built in 1830. ![]() 5. The Terrace facing The Lake. ![]() 6. Map detailing the grotto, lake and terrace. ![]() Website: Click Here ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ![]() ![]()
GREAT BRITISH GROTTO GRADING
CONSTRAINTS Open set times only FACILITIES Access by Road, Access on Foot, Free Entry, Grotto - just one, Restaurant/Food, Retail Souvenir Shop LANDSCAPE Park or Garden, Quality Natural Environment, Rural REGION England - Southern THE FEATURES PRESENT +External rock structures, either real or simulated, +Internal stonework that is natural, recycled or simulated to give a subterranean decor, GRADED TWO |
![]() |
|
|