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GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND

Listed on the National Heritage List for England. Search over 400,000 listed places

Overview

Heritage Category:: Listed Building
Grade:: II*
List Entry Number:: 1131081
Date first listed:: 10-Jan-1953
List Entry Name:: GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND
Statutory Address:: GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND

User submitted image — Uploaded by Alexander Coode This photo may not represent the current condition of the site
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Location

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⚔️ Battlefields
⚓ Shipwrecks

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Archive image, may not represent current condition of site.

Date:: 2005-08-02
Reference:: IOE01/13254/32
Rights:: © Mr Peter Read. Source: Historic England Archive

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Official list entry

Heritage Category:: Listed Building
Grade:: II*
List Entry Number:: 1131081
Date first listed:: 10-Jan-1953
List Entry Name:: GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND
Statutory Address 1:: GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND

This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.

For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.

Understanding list entries

Corrections and minor amendments

This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.

Understanding list entries

Corrections and minor amendments

Location

Statutory Address:: GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND

The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.

District:: Wiltshire (Unitary Authority)
Parish:: Amesbury
National Grid Reference:: SU 14737 41692

Details

AMESBURY - SU 1541 11/3 Gay's Cave and Diamond 10.1.53

GV II* Grotto, late C18, perhaps by Flitcroft or Chambers. Limestone facade and lining to chalk cut cave set in cliff over River Avon, and below defences of Vespasian's camp (landscaped Iron Age hillfort). Spoil forms front apron with inclined paths forming the 'diamond' in plan and elevation. Facade set at end of short dromos, an arch with springing and keyblocks, and an open cornice, all mouldings partly 'overgrown' with uncut rock-faced stone. Iron gates with fan top. Interior has square cell with arch headed niches each side, and to rear, an arch to an apse. Groined vault. Settings in floor for features now missing. Probably the place used by John Gay to write 'The Beggar's Opera' and 'Polly' in seclusion during his long stay and patronage by the Duchess of Queensbury.

Listing NGR: SU1473741692

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:: 321314
Legacy System:: LBS

Legal

This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.