The Temple on the Hill, Downhill (IMG0483)
Perched precariously above the ocean in Downhill Demesne sits Mussenden Temple. Created by the eccentric Earl Bishop, Frederick Hervey, this summer library by the sea was inspired by Rome's 'Temple of Vesta' and built in honour of Mrs Frideswide Mussenden - a great beauty of her day.
As Mrs Mussenden and the Bishop were both married to other people, the seaside sanctuary caused quite a scandal. So too did the exquisite extravagance of the temple, which was placed 30 feet from the cliff edge. This blessed it with spectacular views along the coast, but placed it at the mercy of the sea's powerful forces. Today it is just a few feet from the cliff's edge, but important conservation work by The National Trust means that the temple is secure for the time being.
Tragically, Mrs Mussenden died at the age of 22, just before the temple was completed.
As Mrs Mussenden and the Bishop were both married to other people, the seaside sanctuary caused quite a scandal. So too did the exquisite extravagance of the temple, which was placed 30 feet from the cliff edge. This blessed it with spectacular views along the coast, but placed it at the mercy of the sea's powerful forces. Today it is just a few feet from the cliff's edge, but important conservation work by The National Trust means that the temple is secure for the time being.
Tragically, Mrs Mussenden died at the age of 22, just before the temple was completed.
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Also in: County Derry / Londonderry
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