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Latitude: 55.9426 / 55°56'33"N
Longitude: -3.0816 / 3°4'53"W
OS Eastings: 332543
OS Northings: 672705
OS Grid: NT325727
Mapcode National: GBR 2D.YPMX
Mapcode Global: WH6SN.MWSP
Plus Code: 9C7RWWV9+39
Entry Name: Grotto, Newhailes, Musselburgh
Listing Name: Newhailes House, Shell Grotto
Listing Date: 27 November 1990
Category: B
Source: Historic Scotland
Source ID: 343453
Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB10915
Building Class: Cultural
Also known as: Musselburgh, Newhailes, Grotto
ID on this website: 200343453
Location: Inveresk
County: East Lothian
Electoral Ward: Musselburgh
Parish: Inveresk
Traditional County: Midlothian
Tagged with: Grotto
Circa 1785. Remains of square plan rocaille grotto set
in woodlands to N of Newhailes House, in pleasure
grounds commissioned by Lord Hailes in 1780s. Currently
roofless and with 1 wall derelict. (1989). Sandstone
rock-faced rubble walls, interspersed with tufa blocks
on exterior; iron rods supporting overhanging blocks at
eaves level. Rounded-arch doorway with coarsely
vermiculated surround.
INTERIOR: formerly lined with decorative sea shell
patterns, mounted on timber panels, of which only
remnants remain in woodland around.
The fashion for such grottoes was at its height in the
later 18th century, popularised by precedents at
Stourhead, 1748, and Twickenham, circa 1725. Lord Hailes
possibly consulted Wright's publication in the initial
stages of planning his scheme.
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.
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