History of the Temple: Wanstead Park's souvenir from an exotic past (via Guardian Series):
Although the current building’s designer remains a mystery, the exterior’s Tuscan style is a product of the vision of John 2nd Earl Tylney (1712-1784), the owner of Wanstead house in the latter half of the 18th century.
Inspired by what he had seen on a tour of Europe, Tylney wanted to replicate the remains of ancient Rome in Wanstead, and duly started planning his architectural ode to classical civilisation. […]
Inventories reveal that the house used to be a sanctuary for birds of every creed and colour.
Originally a poultry house, the Temple was promoted to an exotic aviary in the 1760s.
In the 18th century it was fashionable for aristocracy to keep exotic animals from distant lands.
Tenants included unusual birds from the East Indies, with naturalist George Edwards noting “a snake-eater” on a visit in 1770. […]
Wanstead House itself was demolished in 1824 but the Temple survives to this day.
It was used as housing for forestkeepers and then opened to the public in the late 20th century, now used as a community space.
