The Mushroom Tree Shelter
Location/Address
St Mary's Road, East Claydon, adjacent to entrance to Ivy Nook
Type
Description
Believed to have been constructed in 1912 as a resting place on the walk between, Botolph House, the Verney dowager house, and St Mary's Church, the Mushroom Shelter, built around an ancient oak tree, provides unrestricted views across the valley below.
At the time of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee, there was a local fund-raising effort which enabled the shelter to be refurbished and re-thatched. It remains a key local landmark and a favourite place for cyclists to rest and take in the views.
The Mushroom Shelter gives its name to the bar, run by volunteers, in the village hall.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
The Mushroom Tree Shelter is a unique structure and has become emblematic for the villages of Botolph and East Claydon.Age
Constructed circa 1912, it is a focal point in the village.Rarity
Unique!Architectural and Artistic Interest
Its quirky and whimsical appearance, coupled with practical functionality, renders it of special interest.Group Value
Its design reflects the numerous thatched buildings that characterise many of the properties in East and Botolph Claydon.Historic Interest
The structure is over 100 years-old. The rationale for its construction provides a link with the Verney family and the Claydon Estate which have had an enduring influence on the two villages and their communities.Landmark Status
Its prominent position and uniquely recognisable structure combine to make the Mushroom Tree Shelter a key landmark in the area.
Date Listed
n/a
Last Updated
18 Oct 2023