The Grotto

Nestled in the grassy Elysian Fields you will find William Kents Grotto. Despite its cold and damp environment it provided an entertainment area for royal guests visiting Earl Temple and his gardens. It was originally above ground but the new owners covered it over creating its cave like appearance seen today.
Inside the Grotto is the Crouching Venus a popluar model for classical innovation after Praxiteles created the first. This trend reflected both the rising social status of women and changes in male attitudes towards women as previously only male statues had been depicted naked.
A tablet of marble on one wall is inscribed with a poem by Milton.