Alfred's Hall, Gothic folly in Cirencester Park, England
Alfred's Hall is a two-story limestone structure with battlements and dressed stone facings within Cirencester Park. One room roughly 41 feet by 16 feet remains accessible, displaying remnants of oak paneling and limestone construction details.
The structure was built in 1721 by Allen Bathurst and Alexander Pope, representing an early example of Gothic revival design in England. It was a deliberate attempt to mimic the appearance of an ancient ruined building.
The structure incorporates architectural elements from Sapperton Manor, including sculptures, battlements, windows, and doors that were moved here during changes made in the 1800s. These additions from elsewhere show how the building was changed and added to over time.
The structure sits within Cirencester Park and is open to visitors, though access is limited to a single room. Plan to visit during daylight hours to see the stone details and architectural features clearly.
The building is regarded as one of the earliest Gothic devices of its kind and was deliberately constructed to resemble a decayed ancient structure. This intentionally created false ruin style was a fashionable innovation among wealthy landowners of the era.
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