Description

AMESBURY -
SU 1541
11/3 Gay's Cave and Diamond
10.1.53

GV II*
Grotto, late C18, perhaps by Flitcroft or Chambers. Limestone
facade and lining to chalk cut cave set in cliff over River Avon,
and below defences of Vespasian's camp (landscaped Iron Age
hillfort). Spoil forms front apron with inclined paths forming the
'diamond' in plan and elevation. Facade set at end of short
dromos, an arch with springing and keyblocks, and an open cornice,
all mouldings partly 'overgrown' with uncut rock-faced stone. Iron
gates with fan top.
Interior has square cell with arch headed niches each side, and to
rear, an arch to an apse. Groined vault. Settings in floor for
features now missing. Probably the place used by John Gay to write
'The Beggar's Opera' and 'Polly' in seclusion during his long stay
and patronage by the Duchess of Queensbury.

Listing NGR: SU1473741692

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q17542947

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Period property manual, victorian house manual 2 books collection set by ian rock
• 
  Lancashire: Manchester and the South-East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Staffordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Period Property Manual (New Ed)
• 
  Central Leinster: Kildare, Laois and Offaly (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
• 
  Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Peterborough (Pevsner Architectural Guides): Written by Charles O'Brien, 2014 Edition, Publisher: Yale University Press [Hardcover]