The Temple of British Worthies is a historic building located in Stowe, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. Designed by architect James Gibbs, the temple was built in 1734-1737 and is a prominent example of 18th-century neoclassical architecture. The temple is a circular building with a large dome surrounded by 16 Corinthian columns, and its interior features a series of niches containing busts of famous British individuals, including poets, philosophers, and statesmen. The temple is situated in the midst of beautiful gardens and is surrounded by a picturesque lake, making it a popular tourist destination.
designed by Kent and built 1734-5. Built of stone, it is a curving roofless exedra with a large stone pier in the centre surmounted by a stepped pyramid containing an oval niche that contains a bust of Mercury, a copy of the original. The curving wall contains 6 niches either side of the central pier. With further niches on the two ends of the wall and two more behind. These are filled by busts, half carved by John Michael Rysbrack these are John Milton, William Shakespeare, John Locke, Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Francis Bacon, Elizabeth I, William III and Inigo Jones the other eight are by Peter Scheemakers these are Alexander Pope, Sir Thomas Gresham, King Alfred the Great, The Black Prince, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake, John Hampden and Sir John Barnard (Whig MP and opponent of the Whig Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole). There is a small pediment above each niche that breaks forward slightly from the wall. There are three broad steps following the curving wall. The choice of who was considered a 'British Worthy' was very much influenced by the Whig politics of the family, the chosen individuals falling into two groups, eight known for their actions and eight known for their thoughts and ideas.
Beautifully educational
Very educational wall of statues in a beautiful location. All people highlighted are notable British people from history
A most impressive National Trust property to visit. Recommended!
Amazing place
Awesome
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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designed by Kent and built 1734-5. Built of stone, it is a curving roofless exedra with a large stone pier in the centre surmounted by a stepped pyramid containing an oval niche that contains a bust of Mercury, a copy of the original. The curving wall contains 6 niches either side of the central pier. With further niches on the two ends of the wall and two more behind. These are filled by busts, half carved by John Michael Rysbrack these are John Milton, William Shakespeare, John Locke, Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Francis Bacon, Elizabeth I, William III and Inigo Jones the other eight are by Peter Scheemakers these are Alexander Pope, Sir Thomas Gresham, King Alfred the Great, The Black Prince, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake, John Hampden and Sir John Barnard (Whig MP and opponent of the Whig Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole). There is a small pediment above each niche that breaks forward slightly from the wall. There are three broad steps following the curving wall. The choice of who was considered a 'British Worthy' was very much influenced by the Whig politics of the family, the chosen individuals falling into two groups, eight known for their actions and eight known for their thoughts and ideas.
Beautifully educational
Very educational wall of statues in a beautiful location. All people highlighted are notable British people from history
A most impressive National Trust property to visit. Recommended!
Amazing place
Awesome
