Monumental buildings
Following on from architectural designs of Vanbrugh, James Gibbs came to Stowe for his first period in 1726 and again in 1737 to create the gardens most imposing buildings. His additions at Stowe sit within a large portfolio of architecturally significant work across the country and local area, including other aristocratic houses, monuments and university buildings in Oxford and Cambridge.
Where can I see his work?
Boycott Pavilions
Stowe was designed to be admired far and wide by all visitors, both tourists and privileged visitors to the House. If you were tourist, you’d drive up past the Corinthian Arch towards New Inn just as you do now. The privileged took a private entrance leading directly to Stowe House, with impressive gates which opened up to a view of the Oxford Bridge crossing a lake, before a steep incline leads your eye up to two pavilions which sit on either side of the road. Named after a long lost local village, the Boycott Pavilions were among Gibbs first additions to the parkland. The first to be built was the Eastern Pavilion in 1729, serving as the end point to various paths in the gardens.
The Western Pavilion was added in 1734 as a residence for a friend of the family. The pavilion also went on to house 'Capability' Brown and his family during their time working on the estate. The designs of the buildings have evolved over time with the original plans including a steep pointed roof which doubled the height of the buildings. These were changed in 1758 to the current domed roofs with cupulas giving an appearance which was more in-keeping with the rest of the estate.
The pavilions can still be seen today by walking directly up Pegg’s Terrace and through the black metal gate into the parkland for the whole view. At a later date the Eastern Pavilion was converted from its former purpose into a home.