Temple of Harmony, 18th-century folly in Goathurst, England
The Temple of Harmony is a classical building in Mill Wood with a slate roof, pedimental gables, and Ionic columns framing its rectangular form. The structure blends formal architectural elements with a woodland setting.
Sir Charles Kemeys Tynte commissioned architect Thomas Prowse in 1767 to design this building, drawing inspiration from the Temple of Fortuna Virilis in Rome. It was created as a deliberate imitation of Roman classicism in the English countryside.
Inside stands a marble statue of Terpsichore, the Muse of dance and lyric poetry, created by John Walsh as a tribute to Thomas Prowse. The statue gives the place an artistic purpose that goes beyond its role as a building.
The building sits within a woodland area and is open during summer afternoons and certain weekends. It is wise to plan a visit in advance and check local conditions before traveling.
The building was originally used as a cattle shelter before later restoration transformed it into a local landmark. A horizontal steel tie bar runs through its interior for structural support, revealing the practical engineering hidden beneath its romantic appearance.
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