Faringdon Folly

Faringdon
South West Oxfordshire

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Folly Diary
Faringdon Folly Friends
Press Articles
Folly Lights
Information and History

Wildlife and Woodland
Photos and Art


Visitors Book
Directions
Links
Faringdon's landmark is the Folly Tower, 100ft high, standing on a mound, to the east of the market town

The mound has always been called Folly Hill.
The tower was built in 1935 by Lord Berners, the then owner of Faringdon House, for his young friend Robert Heber Percy
The style is unusual in that it is simple and straightforward for the majority of it's height, but with gothic flourishes and mock battlements added at the insistence of Lord Berners

It is the last folly to be built in England.

There are wonderful views to the North across the Thames Valley, and southwards towards the south downs. Five counties can be seen on a clear day.

As a millennium celebration, a local businessman installed power and a massive light, that panned the countryside. Thousands of people visited the Folly Lighthouse until it was removed in April 2000. Since 2000, the same businessman has provided various shaped lights that shine from the top of the tower throughout the Christmas and New Year period.


Friends of the Folly are a local group who support the Folly Trust, now owners of the Tower. As part of a bigger project to improve the Folly Tower experience, this website will be developed to include much more detailed history, information and photographs.

To arrange additional visits or to find out about becoming a Friend of the Folly please contact Eddie Williams on 01367 241142 or email edchriswilliams@aol.com
This site is hosted by Live Connections 01367 710178
www.liveconnections.co.uk
Faringdon Folly is open
on the following dates

2008

26th May Spring Holiday
1st June
6th July
12th and 13th July
19th and 20th July

3rd August
25th August
7th September
5th October
31st October 1800-2000

Open 11am - 5pm

Adults £1, Children 11-16 20p, Children under 11 free

More about Faringdon's history, including Lord Berners, Faringdon House, Robert Heber Percy, The Folly Tower and Lighthouse Faringdon can be found on the history pages of Faringdon Online

Faringdon Online - a community website with information about local services, businesses, leisure activities, places to visit and it's history