Temple of Harmony Somerset, follies and folly towers at follytowers.com (original) (raw)

Riding around the narrow lanes that are abundant in this area, I was somewhat taken aback to come across a temple sat incongruously in a field, surrounded by cows. It is one of several follies in the once Halswell Estate, the house itself (Grade 1 listed) is now converted into flats.

The Halswell Follies
The Temple of Harmony as it is called, is attributed to one Thomas Prowse and is modelled on the 1st Century Temple of FORTUNA VIRILIS in Rome. It was built in 1767 on the request of the then owner, Sir Charles Kemeys Tynte.
The temple is to be found in its own little area of a field, enclosed by railings to separate it from the surrounding livestock, a short distance from the passing lane. Its dimensions at its base are approximately 21 foot by 37 foot, and it now has the addition of a long retaining bolt, that runs through the structure from one side to the other, helping to keep it together.
Among the many other unusual buildings that are to be found in the estate are: a grotto, a stepped pyramid, a Doric rotunda over an ice house, an Ionic Portico, and a cascade consisting of five lakes. Robin Hood's Temple which is probably best described as an elegant summer house, is in the process of undergoing restoration.

Restoration.
The Temple of Harmony has now been fully restored, which in one aspect is a shame, as the structure now has that 'new' look to it, and only time will let it acquire its natural patina. Its location, sat open and 'naked' in a field does not help, as it would look its best lying deep in shaded undergrowth, waiting to be 'discovered' as you round a corner, pushing a low branch out of the way.

Frost Damage has taken its toll: Click for Close Up.

Visiting:-
The temple can be viewed externally at any time, as it is accessible from the nearby lane. It is actually open on: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, June to September 2001.

Click for Close Up