At Compass Point, a small tower overlooking the sea is said to have been built as refuge for coast guards. However, the more likely reason for its construction was for for its ornamental value. Designed by George Wightwick for Sir Thomas Acland, the octagonal tower was based, loosely, on the Temple of the Winds in Athens.
Visible from town; cross over canal and follow one of the paths up to Compass Point
February 12, 2012
Bollington, England
A strange Georgian folly sits atop a lonely hill.
Halifax, England
This tallest folly in the world began its life as an elaborate factory chimney.
Câmpina, Romania
This eccentric folly house was designed by Romanian thinker Bogdan-Petriceicu Hasdeu, with a helping hand from his deceased daughter's spirit.
Godalming, England
The hidden "ballroom" under a mansion lake was built by a criminal who ate a cyanide pill during his trial.
Berlin, Germany
This Berlin island is home to a flock of free-roaming peacocks, as well as a historic ivory folly.
Weston, England
Created hundreds of years ago, the magical follies and landscapes at this park were almost lost to time before being restored.
Brighton, England
This tunnel entrance is built to resemble a grand castle but no one is quite sure why.
South Harting, England
This ruined folly was originally built to honor a failed American state that would have become "Westsylvania."
