Hawkwell Field was enclosed within the garden in the late 1730s, with the intention of blurring garden and nature.

Sheep and cattle were allowed to wander through the vegetation, river and buildings to underline the theme of pastoral beauty.

All the buildings here are by Lord Cobham's favourite architect, James Gibbs and are larger than those elsewhere.

Main features of the Eastern Garden

The Gothic Temple was modelled on medieval buildings such as Westminster Abbey and was a tribute to Lord Cobham's important Saxon ancestors. Administered by the Landmark Trust, its interior is not accessible to the public.

The Pebble Alcove was built before 1739 and has been restored twice, in 1877 and 1967. It is inscribed with Lord Cobham's motto 'Templa Quam Dilecta' - 'How Beautiful are thy Temples'.  

The Chatham Urn on the island on the north side of the lake, is a copy of the original, sold in 1848 and now at Chevening in Kent. It commemorates the Prime Minister William Pitt, Earl of Chatham.

Congreve's Monument was erected by Cobham to commemorate his friend, drinking partner and fellow member of the Kit-Cat Club, William Congreve.  

The Temple of Friendship was built with Cobham's social and political clique in mind - an all-male space for drinking, talking and partying. In 1840 it was severely damaged by fire and is retained as a ruin.

The Queen's Temple was built some years later, so that Lady Cobham could entertain her friends. It became home to Stowe School's music department.

The Palladian Bridge sits much lower in the water than intended after the Octagon Lake was dammed.

The Seven Saxon Deities were used to represent ancient notions of liberal government that the Saxons supposedly brought to Britain. They are the Gods that gave their names to the days of the week - Sunna, Mona, Tiw, Woden, Thuner, Friga and Seatern.

Lamport Gardens were created on the site of an old manor house demolished by the 1st Duke in the 1820s.

The Chinese House Constructed before 1738, the Chinese House is probably the earliest Chinese-style garden building in England. It has been returned to Stowe after 200 years on the Wotton estate.