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Worcester Lodge

Designed by William Kent in the mid-18th century, Worcester Lodge stands as a testament to beauty and functionality. Completed around 1746, the same year as the Battle of Culloden, it marks the end of the Stuart threat and Roman Catholic invasion fears.

Purpose and Design

Photo by Matt Harris

Worcester Lodge served multiple roles: a Banqueting Hall, a gatehouse with living quarters for the gatekeeper’s family, a focal point in the landscape, and a vantage point for observing hunts.

Pyramids: These housed estate workers, with the West Pyramid containing a large vaulted cellar.

Pavilions: The curving walls end in pavilions, each featuring fireplaces in all four corners, likely functioning as kitchens.

Architectural Details

The grand staircase (known as the John o’ Gaunt Staircase) is cantilevered, with scrolled ironwork and turned mahogany. The steps are the height laid down by Palladio for a painless ascent.

Photo by Remy Renzullo

Sculptural Elements

North Front: Features the Beaufort and Berkeley arms within a palm wreath, symbolizing the union of two rival dynasties through the marriage of the Fourth Duke to Elizabeth Berkeley.

South Front: Displays the Plantagenet crest of the Beauforts, supported by the panther and wyvern, with the Beaufort motto Mutare vel timere sperno (I scorn to change or fear).

Plaster Ceiling

The sumptuous plasterwork in the grand room is rich with symbolism:

  • Central Circle: Represents the heavens, surrounded by eight rays that symbolize bringing celestial order to the earthly realm (the room is designed for eight occupants).
  • Seasonal Gods: Four deities mark the seasons, each with their garlands:
  • East: Flora (Spring) with roses, symbolising beauty and fertility.
  • South: Ceres (Summer) with wheat, representing sustenance.
  • West: Bacchus (Autumn) with grapes, embodying ecstasy and wine.
  • North: Pluto (Winter) with ivy, symbolising resilience and wealth.

Landscape Setting

The Lodge faces south, aligned with a three-mile avenue leading to the main house, planted by the first Duke in the late 17th century as part of a grand landscaping vision.

Worcester Park and Avenue
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