Follies

What is a Folly? " A costly structure considered useless..an ornament on a gentleman's estate...". A wonderful eccentric collection of South Somerset follies and unusual buildings and discover that history can be fun!

"A building... difficult to define...built for pleasure"

The Barwick Park, Follies Walk

The wonderful and weird follies of Barwick Park are located on the boundaries of the estate at the four points of the compass. Originally thought to have been built during the first half of the 19th century, to provide work during a slump in the glove-making industry, the follies are now thought to date from the 1770s, earlier than the present Barwick House. In the best tradition of follies, their appearance defies explanation other than the decorative, but they provide a source of fascination and speculation to all who look upon them.

This fairly level walk takes in the following follies:

• Jack the Treacle Eater
• The Fish Tower
• The Rose Tower
• The Obelisk

Download a copy of the South Somerset Follies leaflet. 

 Tour around the Towers

Burton Pynsent Tower

Park in Curry Rivel and walk along the main road (A358) to Taunton. Look for a road on the right signposted Heale and Stathe. Footpath to the tower is 274m (300 yards) up road on the left, signposted Moortown Lane. The tower may be viewed only from the outside.

Also known as the Burton Steeple, the monument overlooks the lowlands of West Sedgemoor and was once set in a beautiful garden with avenues of trees, hothouses and walled flower gardens. It was built in the 1760s to the memory of Sir William Pynsent by William Pitt the Elder, to whom he had left his estate. There is a tall tale of an adventurous cow that made the journey up the tower – and was led safely down – on two occasions. Her third attempt was not so lucky....

Nearest town:Langport
Don't miss: Langport Visitor Centre – interactive displays tell the story of life along the River Parrett over the centuries. Bike hire centre adjoining and close to pleasant walks beside the river.

St. Michael's Tower

Leave A3088 and at T-junction turn left to Montacute. Look for small car park on right by village recreation ground. Walk across the recreation ground and follow path uphill across two fields and into woods to folly. Entry is free so climb the steps inside for a wonderful view –but mind your head on the lintels!

Edward Phelips of Montacute House built this folly in the mid 18^th century. It was originally one of three built by neighbouring friends who would run up a flag as an invitation to the others to "gallop over for a convivial evening".

Nearest town:Yeovil
Don't miss: Montacute House with it's stunning Long Gallery and collection of Elizabethan portraits

King Alfred's Tower

Signposted from the B3081 between Bruton and Wincanton. Car park at the tower. Admission charged.

Henry Hoare completed this 49m (160ft) tower in 1772 on his magnificent Stourhead estate. Designed by Henry Flitcroft, it was intended to mark the summit where Alfred the Great "erected his standard against the Danish Invaders" in 878 before the Battle of Edington.

Nearest town:Bruton 
Don't miss: Gant's Mill and Garden – there's been a mill here for a thousand years

Admiral Hood Monument

Travelling on the B3151 from Somerton to Street, turn right at cross roads 1.6km (one mile) past Compton Dundon village. Park in lay-by on the right just before a right turn. Please be aware of fast traffic on this road. A footpath leads up through woodland to the monument at the top of the hill.

Built in the 19^th century this folly commemorates the spectacular career of a local boy who left home when he was fourteen to join the Navy and went on to become an Admiral. It was originally linked to the Hood family home at Butleigh by a mile long avenue of cedar trees. The climb up the hill is rewarded with a beautiful view of Glastonbury Tor.

Nearest town:Somerton
Don't miss: St Michael and All Angels Church, Somerton – look inside for dragons and cider barrels on the beautifully carved 16^th century roof

And some other gems

The Round House Lock Up

Built in 1779 the Round House was an overnight lock-up for offenders – usually drunks. Another use it was supposedly put to was for children over seven years old, found out and about on the streets on a Sunday and therefore breaking the Sabbath.

Stembridge Tower Mill

The last thatched windmill in England built in 1822 and functioning until 1910. Now owned by the National Trust and open to the public April to September.

The Dovecote at Bruton

This 15^th or 16^th century building in a striking hilltop position above the town is thought to be a remnant of the abbey. People rather than birds probably used it originally, as illustrations in the past show it with chimneys.