The Origins

The Fish Temple was originally an old “Water box” or Horsebox, which used to be flooded to allow a horse to stand in the water for health purposes. This building was altered in 1985 and given crenulations outside, and an ornate bridge which people can stand on and feed the many Mirror Carp and Chub in the ponds.

Inside we have laid a mosaic floor, fitted osprey and fish light fittings and have designed furniture which was made and carved by Albert Jeffray. Another carving by Albert is ‘Aerial imprisoned In The Tree’ which made the most of an unwanted tree stump, he also carved a very nice Elm work surface in the reception area.

Modern use: The History of the Tupgill Estate

The Fish Temple is carefully maintained not only as a striking folly but since 2025 an archive of the Armstrong family legacy and the wider Tupgill Estate, preserving key events, stories, and a timeline that charts the estate’s journey.

The Armstrong family have been custodians of Tupgill since Victorian times, with Colin Armstrong playing a defining role in shaping its modern character. In the 1980s, Armstrong collaborated with architect Malcolm Tempest to bring to life what would become one of Yorkshire’s most unusual attractions, The Forbidden Corner. What started as a private maze of follies, tunnels, and surprises eventually grew into a celebrated public destination, brought to reality with the skill and craftsmanship of WA Tunstall & Sons, the family-run building firm long associated with the estate.

Over the decades, Tupgill has continued to evolve while respecting its heritage. In 2014, the estate opened The Saddle Room, a restaurant with a vaulted wine cellar and bar that brought a new dimension of hospitality to the site. Building on that success, the White Goose Pizza Company was later introduced, offering a more relaxed and family-friendly dining option with authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Together, the Fish Temple archive, the follies of The Forbidden Corner, and the dining experiences at The Saddle Room and White Goose Pizza Company tell the story of an estate that balances creativity with tradition. Thanks to the vision of Colin Armstrong, the artistry of Malcolm Tempest, and the committed team who bring continuity and character to the estate, Tupgill Park continues to thrive as both a visitor attraction and a guardian of its remarkable history.