Grange Arch, Triple-arched stone folly in Steeple with Tyneham, England.
Grange Arch is a three-part stone gateway featuring a central rounded arch topped with a battlemented parapet, while the two flanking sections have square openings capped with obelisk-like finials. The solid areas between these openings contain blank arched recesses that create visual depth across the face of the structure.
Dennis Bond commissioned this ornamental gateway before 1746 as part of the landscaping improvements at his Creech Grange estate. The arch was built during a period when English landowners were adding elaborate decorative structures to their grounds to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
The structure was built to frame views across the estate's grounds and guide visitors' gazes toward the surrounding landscape. These kinds of decorative buildings became fashionable in the 1700s as landowners sought to enhance their gardens and parks.
The gateway stands in an area accessible to walkers, with several footpaths leading to the structure across open countryside. Wear sturdy footwear when visiting, as the ground can be uneven and muddy, particularly after wet weather.
The solid stone sections between the openings contain recessed blind arches that create shifting patterns of shadow and light throughout the day. This subtle architectural feature often goes unnoticed but becomes striking during early morning and late afternoon sunlight.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
