Temple of Flora Restoration

The Temple of Flora is a grade II listed limestone structure, built in the 18th century. Dedicated to the Roman goddess of flowers it is believed to have been designed by Sir William Chambers and placed in the Gardens around 1772. The Temple is now facing the lake however this is not original location, our Gardening and Archive team are working to find out where it was situated.

Over time the Temple had become engulfed by dense shrubs and enclosed by an imposing iron fence - so much so that even long-serving members of the gardening team had never seen it. With the overgrowth cleared, fencing removed, and improved drainage installed, the Temple has been uncovered and made accessible once more.

An overgrown mass of holly and brambles was also cleared to restore the view of the Great Lake. The Temple has also been built into the Garden route, as we have rebuilt the original path allowing you to walk through the Rose Garden, and stop off at the Temple on the way to the Cascades. The Temple is now set to reclaim its historic role as a focal point, just as it was over 250 years ago.