What does Tallis Estate have to do with the story? What is its significance?

The Tallis Estate is the scene of the novel's first section, located in the Surrey Hills in southeast England. It was built grandly in the 1880s and more prosaically after a fire in 1930. Two bridges lead over a lake, where a dilapidated decorative temple stands in the center that young Briony considers her domain. A fountain, visible from Briony's upstairs window, is the site of an encounter between Cecilia and Robbie that Briony misinterprets, leading to the tragedy of Robbie's arrest for rape. By 1999, the estate has been sold and converted into a hotel and golf course. It is the site of the Tallis family's celebration of Briony's 77th birthday.