HOME
|
HOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
P R O F I L E |
||||
|
 
Kyre Park GrottoKyre Court Tenbury Wells Worcestershire United Kingdom WR15 8RP Kyre Park is a 30 acre or thereabouts garden which was planned and laid out from 1754 and is constantly undergoing restoration. At Kyre we have an example of a 20th century grotto which is located near the lake side of the historic house and gardens. The grotto has a secret entrance leading to a tunnel that emerges in the castellated lakeside folly, next to a water fountain. The course of the tunnel gives the visitor a chance to ponder the circular chamber with gargoyles on the walls, mysterious viewpoints and simulated stalactites in the roof. 
The castellated folly is one of numerous landscaped attractions surrounding the lakes which are on three levels. In all there are five lakes, waterfalls, a Grade II listed tithe barn, which is more than 350 years old, a ruin, and Norman dovecote. The garden has what is said to be probably the world's largest collection of ferns.  Access to the gardens is from the main entrance by St Mary's church. Some of the structures date back to the 14th century.
The origins of the mansion are that it was a 14th century fortified house that was repaired and extended circa 1600, remodelled in 1753-6, and restored and extended again circa 1880. Extensive alterations were also carried out circa 1940. Some of the original sandstone building material survives but the majority of the fabric is brick. The house is roughly T-shaped in plan, with the 14th century section to  the west. It was used as a convalescent home for military officers during the Second World War.
Illustrations 1. Kyre Park grotto secret entrance being explored by Cora Weaver, eminent local historian. 2. The castellated lakeside folly where the grotto tunnel leads. 3. Location map of the grotto in the grounds of Kyre Park. 4. The mansion at Kyre Park. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  
GREAT BRITISH GROTTO GRADING
CONSTRAINTS Open set times only FACILITIES Access by Road, Access on Foot, Entry Fee, Grotto - just one, Restaurant/Food LANDSCAPE Country town/village, Park or Garden REGION England - Central THE FEATURES PRESENT +Cared for and maintained in good condition, +Crystals and/or minerals, either natural or simulated, +Dark and mysterious chambers and cave like spaces, +Internal stonework that is natural, recycled or simulated to give a subterranean decor, +Sacred spring or integral water feature, +Stunning setting and location, +Viewing points from within to an intriguing landscape outside, GRADED SEVEN |
||||
 |
|
|