Fonthill Abbey, Wiltshire: the convent in ruins

SOURCE: John Rutter. Delineations of Fonthill and its abbey (London, 1823), p. 108 NOTES: Beckford engaged Wyatt to design a pleasure house and retreat in the grounds of Fonthill Park in the form of 'a convent in ruins'. The building was rapidly completed, in timber and plaster, but soon deteriorated, only to be replanned on a much larger scale with more permanent materials.