Statue base in the Grecian Valley, Stowe

Summary

Located towards the top of the slope returning the south side of the Grecian Valley, this square statue base is depicted the 1843 estate map and the 1880 1st edition O.S. map. The form the statue took is unknown today.

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Description

The base was originally excavated in 1992 and re-excavated in Nov. 1998.

The construction of the base consists of an inner core of limestone blocks (1.58m x 1.53m x .07m) with the outer faces squared up. This is butted by an outer ring of stone (2.11m x 1.85 x 0.01m). This outer ring is around three sides of the core suggesting that the base was enlarged at one time. This ring consists of small blocks of at least two courses bound with buff coloured lime mortar. The core has slightly larger blocks, upto 35cms in length and are bound with the same lime mortar. The profile of the base has eroded along the north edge but survives with 2-3 additional courses on the south edge where it is better preserved. The base is made up of limestone (40%), ironstone (10%) and mortar (40%) with several pieces of Westmorland slate incorporated (see 1:10 scale drawing).

The base is mostly fairly well consolidated and there are some pieces of stone to the side. The area around it is low impact woodland and in little danger of disturbance. The base will be re-used in 1999 to rehouse a new statue by Van Logteren. The original statue is not known and the new statue will remain until the original is identified.

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