Hello Byron. I too would prefer to see the tower remain as a romantic ruin, although preferably one that is not allowed to deteriorate any further. Sadly the owner died earlier this year, so I am not sure what the future holds for the folly.

Good morning Iain. I’d love to have seen the buzzards flying over, what a magnificent sight that must have been. Judging by the litter at the folly I’d say teenagers still enjoy an illicit drink and smoke at the tower. I hope they appreciate their very superior ‘den’.

Wouldn’t Racton have looked wonderful – maybe one day someone will restore it to its former glory! Yes, ‘Follies’ and its revised reprint, certainly sets the bar, but you provide the detail that couldn’t be included for obvious reasons. There is of course Barbara Jones’s book ‘Follies and Grottoes’ with its wonderful illustrations, which pre-dates this and, pre-eBay, it was hard to locate. I remember, as a student, being terribly excited when l found a copy in the bookshop of the Architectural Association and parting with £20, which for me at that time, was quite a sum, but l felt l had found The Holy Grail and it was money well spent!

Hello James, and thank you for your kind comments. I love Racton Tower as a ruin, but I’d also like to have seen it in its original ornate form. Thanks also for mentioning Gwyn and Wim: if I hadn’t discovered their first book this website would not exist today.

Really Gwyn, I’m a little shocked by this lack of discipline! But I am delighted that you liked what you found, and you can now enjoy your breakfast without the interruption of my ramblings.