Latest Member Projects

Posted by Anne Hardcastle on April 3, 2010 at 9:55am

The Temple dedicated to Queen Dido and Aeneas, Prince of Troy, created by Ian Hamilton Finlay.

Anne Hardcastle April 5, 2010 at 11:35am

Thanks Phil,
You can see more about this garden at www.littlesparta.co.uk .
Fenlandphil April 5, 2010 at 10:38am

Thanks Anne, for the explenation it looks an ideallic spot.
I like your photos, they are very good.
Anne Hardcastle April 5, 2010 at 10:28am

This is a little temple created by Ian Hamilton Finlay at Little Sparta and dedicated to the story of Queen Dido of Carthage and Aeneas, Prince of Troy, Founder of Rome.

The story goes that Aeneas was shipwrecked in Carthage on his way to found Rome. He fell in love with its Queen, Dido, whilst sheltering from a storm in a cave. You can see an A and D separated by a lightning bolt on the keystone. The temple contains a carved bust of each of them and a frieze of lettering - "one cave a grateful shelter shall afford to the fair princess and the Trojan lord" from Dryden's translation of Virgil's telling of the tale

They fell in love but Dido killed herself when Aeneas had to leave in order to fulfil his destiny. Carthage was ultimately destroyed by Rome. A story of love and loss !
Fenlandphil April 4, 2010 at 8:46am

What is the building in the photo Anne?

This reply was deleted.

Are you looking for inspiration for ideas on hoew to design and landscape your garden?

Browse our member projects. Click on the poster's avatar to be taken to their profile page.