The concept of erecting monuments and neo-classical follies was a popular one among the gentry of Georgian England. The Greek Revival temple at Badger Dingle in Shropshire was designed around 1783 by James Wyatt (1746-1813). He also designed The Pantheon in London which was completed in 1772. Like Fuller, the owner of the estate, Isaac Hawkins Browne (1745 -1818), came from a family that made its fortune in the iron and coal industry.
The Temple,
Badger Dingle, Shropshire
Standing stately atop a small hill in Brightling Park is the Greek, or perhaps more properly, Rotunda Temple. It was suggested by Sir Humphry Repton in his plans for the garden and is thought to have been designed by Sir Robert Smirke. The Temple is approximately 25 feet (7.62 m) tall and was built around 1810. This circular building has a hollow base that was perhaps used to store food and wine.
On 20 September, 1808 Covent Garden Theatre burnt down. It was redesigned by Sir Robert Smirke opening less than a year later on 18 September, 1809. It demonstrates the neo-classical style so much in favour at the time.
Covent Garden Theatre
The Rotunda Temple has spawned several stories about Fuller and his cohorts. It has been said that he entertained lady friends there...perhaps even held orgies. Others speculate that he held card parties in the temple and gambled with his cronies for very high stakes. Unfortunately, we may never know exactly what went on.
