 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
 |
 |
Buildings and Structures
Decorative Structures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pagoda
One of Kew's most famous features, the Pagoda was completed in 1762 for Princess Augusta, George III's mother, who actually founded the botanic garden at Kew. Designed by Sir William Chambers, the 10-storey octagonal building reaches a height of nearly 50m. At the time, it was not universally popular: Horace Walpole, living in Twickenham, wrote to a friend, "We begin to perceive the tower of Kew from Montpelier Row; in a fortnight you will be able see it in Yorkshire".
Each successive storey diminishes by 0.3m in both diameter and height. Originally the roofs were covered with ceramic tiles and decorated with iron dragons, which were placed at the angles of the roof, but these are reputed to have been sold by George IV to settle some of his debts.
The Pagoda is not open to the public.