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Temple of the Four Winds at Hindhead Commons: The Lost Pavilion on the Hill

  • Apr 28, 2024
  • 1 min read

Updated: Mar 30

The lodge known as the Temple of the Four Winds was built around 1910 by Viscount Pirrie, a leading Irish shipbuilder and businessman, and owner of the nearby Witley Park Estate. It stood within his private deer park and served as a viewing lodge and social retreat.



After Viscount Pirrie’s death in 1924, the estate declined and the temple fell into disrepair. By 1959 it had been vandalised, and in 1966 it was demolished as unsafe and only a low stone platform remains.


Photograph by Sean Edwards



However, with help from the Black Down & Hindhead Supporters, the scrub and undergrowth around the old lodge has been removed, once again opening up wonderful views. Venture up to Hurt Hill to see the ongoing work, which is set to eventually restore the stone plinth to its former glory.


This walk, described by the National Trust as 'great but demanding' takes in the Temple of the Four Winds:


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