Lord Berners added a sign at the entrance reading 'Members of the public committing suicide from this tower are requested to do so in a way that does not make a mess'.
The folly was built during the Great Depression to provide local employment opportunities.
The tower is surrounded by a 'wilderness' that Lord Berners filled with curious items, including a piano and an old-fashioned car.
It is built primarily from local stone and sits at one of the highest points in the county.
The tower's design was inspired by an 18th-century painting depicting a ruin, brought to life by the architect Gerald Wellesley.
During World War II, the tower was used as a lookout post by the Home Guard.
Faringdon Folly Tower is a 100-foot-tall gothic-style folly constructed in 1935, standing as the last major folly built in England. It sits atop Folly Hill, which is part of a woodland area containing over five acres of trees and sculptures. The tower was commissioned by Lord Berners, a composer and writer known for his eccentric character. The structure features a distinctive crown-like top, making it a prominent landmark on the skyline of the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border. Visitors can climb the internal spiral staircase to reach the viewing platform for expansive views of the surrounding countryside. The site is managed by a local trust and surrounded by a public woodland trail system.
The base of the tower looking upward to capture the distinct gothic architectural silhouette against the sky.
Bring sturdy footwear for the woodland trails surrounding the base of the tower.
Check the official website for community events or specific open days before traveling.
Consider bringing binoculars, as the viewing platform offers long-distance visibility on clear days.
Attempting to visit during inclement weather when the tower may be closed for safety; expecting a modern elevator or lift.
Open on specific Sundays and bank holiday afternoons from spring through early autumn; closed throughout the winter months.
Maintain caution on the narrow internal staircase; respect the woodland flora and fauna.
