Summary : The gazebo and observatory at Clumpcliffe, dated 1708 on rainwater heads, since lost, had an eyecatching elevation to the north, overlooking the Aire Valley and distant Temple Newsam House and possibly fronted an ornamental garden, since reduced to meadow. Its entrance front, to the south, faced the cobbled courtyard. It is built of brick in irregular bond and had a two-storey square centre block flanked by single-storey wings. The centre, now partially collapsed, had a flat balustraded roof with a lead-clad ogee-capped cupola and two square timber lanterns with pyramidal roofs, that to the west sheltering the top of the stairs rising from the first floor, the other a duplicate for symmetry. This upper level was the observatory and it afforded extensive views over the valley and enabled non-participants to follow the progress of the hunt in relative comfort or just enjoy the view. The lost first-floor portion had channelled quoins at the corners and was two bays wide by two long with rectangular windows, broad to the north front and narrow to the sides, with stone surrounds under brick camber arches. The rear, south, wall was blind. |