Wanstead Park Grotto

3D Model

The Grotto was built as an ornamental feature and boat house in c 1761 by John Child, 2nd Earl Tylney of Castlemaine (1712-1784), owner of the nearby Wanstead House (demolished 1825). The boathouse structure was built with a brick core and clad with salvaged architectural material and sculptural pieces. The structure was two storeys in height with an internal dock giving access to Ornamental Water and rooms above, part of which provided accommodation for a boat keeper. The remaining 1st floor areas are known to have been originally decorated with shells, colourful stones and crystals.
After the demolition of the main house, the boat house was retained and Wanstead Park passed to the ownership of the Corporation of London in 1882. However two years later a fire caused substantial damage to the structure including the collapse of the roof. Erosion, robbing and vandalism have caused further damage.