Gay's Cave and Diamond
GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND
Listed on the National Heritage List for England. Search over 400,000 listed places
Overview
- Heritage Category:
- Listed building
- List Entry Number:
- 1131081
- Date first listed:
- 10-Jan-1953
- Statutory Address:
- GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND
Location
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Images of England Project
- Date:
- 2005-08-02
- Reference:
- IOE01/13254/32
- Rights:
- © Mr Peter Read. Source: Historic England Archive
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Discover moreOfficial list entry
- Heritage Category:
- Listed building
- List Entry Number:
- 1131081
- Date first listed:
- 10-Jan-1953
- Statutory Address 1:
- GAY'S CAVE AND DIAMOND
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
Map
This map is for quick reference purposes only and may not be to scale. This copy shows the entry on 04-Jun-2026 at 17:55:38.
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