Comments on: The Gothic Temple, Bramham Park, West Yorkshire

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 25 May 2026 06:09:50 +0000

Good morning Gail. The images are so lovely in this post thanks to the support of Bramham Park.
Thanks for sharing the interesting criticism. It echoes Horace Walpole’s criticism of the Gothic Temple at Painshill “the Goths never built summerhouses” – which derives from the same pattern book. Thanks again.

By: archaeogail

archaeogail — Sun, 24 May 2026 21:59:35 +0000

I love how you always have such beautiful illustrations as well as a fascinating story to tell, and that this lovely temple has so many siblings! I’ve recently read a note on the gardens at Bramham Park in a 1919 publication by J. Alfred Gotch (The English Home, from Charles I to George IV, p.234), and thought you might be interested in his observations on the garden buildings – he clearly wasn’t a fan:
“The garden buildings form an interesting commentary on the architectural literature of the time, for whereas those in the classic style are quite good, owing to the numerous examples in books, those in the Gothic style are lamentable, since there was nothing to guide the designer but his own study and observation; and nobody at that period had any but the merest nodding acquaintance with Gothic work.”

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 02 May 2022 15:21:54 +0000

In reply to Charles Cowling. Thank you Charles. I'm pleased you enjoyed the post, and I like your excellent choice of words in describing Walpole as being 'all huffy'.

By: Charles Cowling

Charles Cowling — Mon, 02 May 2022 15:15:40 +0000

Who’d have thought a design for a summer house could go viral? A fascinating account, FF, painstakingly researched and illustrated, a lot of learning lightly worn. Thank you for it. Especially amusing to see Walpole come over all huffy in the cause of authenticity.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 13:55:09 +0000

Hello Hugh and thank you for the kind comments. I’m glad Walpole’s comment gave you something to think about, and I have enjoyed picturing the scene you conjured up!

By: Hugh Featherstone Blyth

Hugh Featherstone Blyth — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 10:07:39 +0000

just wanted to say, that ever since your post on mistress masham’s repose, i have ardently followed your ramblings. not only is your work important as a chronicle, entertaining as narrative and fascinating for the explorer concealed within us all, it is also a blessed and therapeutic relief in these times of genuine and excessive human folly on a tragic, world scale. although i would like to agree with walpole, it rather pleases me to imagine a bevy of burly goths (or the hollowed out ossature which passes for the species today) desperately trying to keep their little fingers politely raised.