About Temple of Arethusa
Designed for Princess Augusta, the Temple of Arethusa (Arethusa being a nymph and attendant on Diana) was built in 1758, designed by Sir William Chambers (1723-96). The temple is a folly in a classical style.
Originally sited by the lake, the building was moved to its current location in 1803.
Following the Great War, the folly became a war memorial to the Kew staff who lost their lives. The first bronze tablet was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, and unveiled in 1921.
Kew began as an exotic garden for Lord Capel John of Tewkesbury. It was enlarged and extended by Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales (widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales) - this extension included various structures designed by Sir William Chambers. In 1840 the gardens were adopted as a national botanical garden. Under Kew's director, William Hooker, the gardens were increased to 75 acres and the pleasure grounds, or arboretum, extended by 270 acres, and later to its present size (300 acres). The first curator was botanist John Smith (1798–1888).
About Temple of Arethusa
Designed for Princess Augusta, the Temple of Arethusa (Arethusa being a nymph and attendant on Diana) was built in 1758, designed by Sir William Chambers (1723-96). The temple is a folly in a classical style.
Originally sited by the lake, the building was moved to its current location in 1803.
Following the Great War, the folly became a war memorial to the Kew staff who lost their lives. The first bronze tablet was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, and unveiled in 1921.
Kew began as an exotic garden for Lord Capel John of Tewkesbury. It was enlarged and extended by Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales (widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales) - this extension included various structures designed by Sir William Chambers. In 1840 the gardens were adopted as a national botanical garden. Under Kew's director, William Hooker, the gardens were increased to 75 acres and the pleasure grounds, or arboretum, extended by 270 acres, and later to its present size (300 acres). The first curator was botanist John Smith (1798–1888).