Comments on: Horton Tower, or Sturt’s Folly, Horton, Dorset

By: Editor

Editor — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:40:08 +0000

In reply to Christina Newnham. Hello Christina. I haven't heard this story before, so I'm afraid I can't offer any further information. It's a fascinating suggestion and I hope you find out more. Good luck with your research.

By: Christina Newnham

Christina Newnham — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:28:44 +0000

According to Hutchins’ ‘History of Dorset’, Kingston Hall (Lacy) had lost its cupola by 1774, probably under the ‘naturally timid’ John Bankes #2 in the early C18th. According to ‘C19th tradition to be re-erected on top of the hexagonal Horton Tower’. Does anyone know if there is any truth in this? There is only one drawing of Pratt’s original Kingston Hall showing the short, wide hexagonal cupola.

By: Julia Abel Smith

Julia Abel Smith — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:01:16 +0000

In reply to Editor. Cathryn’s book was a Christmas present and I am loving it. Delightful depictions of otherwise little-known gardens.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 12:48:00 +0000

In reply to Gwyn.

Hello Gwyn. Yes, the tower deserves to be on the favourites list. Thanks for the HS jnr anecdote – it’s a surprise he didn’t end up in a tower of a different kind, under lock and key.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 12:45:16 +0000

In reply to Julia Abel Smith. All the best to you too, Julia. The vignette of the tower is absolutely lovely, isn't it. If you don't already have it, I can highly recommend Cathryn Spence's new book on Robins:'Nature's Favourite Child: Thomas Robins & the Art of the Georgian Garden'.

By: Gwyn

Gwyn — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 11:44:43 +0000

One of the first follies I ever saw, always one of my favourites, and the only folly I have visited since the pandemic began (apart from the Temple of Four Winds). Love the Taylor map image. HS Jr once booted the future King William IV downstairs for kicking his dog.

By: Julia Abel Smith

Julia Abel Smith — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 10:22:45 +0000

Happy New Year FF and thanks for your post.

The rococo cartouche featuring the tower is both charming and informative, showing the former cupola, lantern and weathervane.

I love the curious sundial in the foreground and the way that the lantern breaks into the title banner. It reminds me of the work of Thomas Robins.