This is the top part of a stove contained in a small grotto on the High Ride on the Fountains Abbey estate. This small kitchen was used by the Aislabie family, to cater for outdoor parties that would arrive by horse and cart. The guests would eat dinner whilst enjoying the view of the Aislabie estate, now owned by the National Trust.
The kitchen is situated next to the Octagon Tower, a Georgian folly designed purely as a garden ornament. The Octagon Tower could be seen from opposite the estate, and looked far bigger than it actually was.
Next to the Octagon Tower, is the Serpentine Tunnel, another folly built to impress important guests. The tunnel was built wide enough to allow horse and carts to pass, and was the main way in which guests would get to the Octagaon Tower and Outdoor Kitchen.
Although the kitchen is never used, you can still get the idea of the atmosphere of a party which would be held overlooking the estate and Abbey. Also, the spire of St Mary's Church can also be seen from this vantage point.
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