Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Annis' Grotto
The terraced garden of Annis Boudinot Stockton (1736-1801) included a grotto. While traveling in England in 1766, her husband, Richard, investigated the gardens at Twickenham, the estate of poet Alexander Pope, for inspiration. He also brought home a collection of shells and curiosities, including a piece of wood "cut off the effigy of Archbishop Peckham, buried in the Cathedral of Canterbury more than five hundred years ago; likewise a piece from the king's coronation chair which may deserve a place in your grotto."
The grotto was completed in 1768, but its design and location are unknown. It can be surmised that it had a bench for at least two people, as Annis wrote to her friend, "I cant but hope to spend some happy hours with you in my grotto which is to be dedicated to friendship and Contemplation."
Erected 2020 by New Jersey Historic Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1766.
Location. 40° 20.906′ N, 74° 40.018′ W. Marker is in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. It can be reached from Stockton Street (U.S. 206) just west of Monument Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 55 Stockton St, Princeton NJ 08540, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s Central Jersey. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Orchards at Morven (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pool House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Colonial Revival Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Demonstration Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); Horse Chestnut Walk (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.
Other markers no longer nearby. Twentieth-Century Changes (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The West Wing (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 17, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
