A 'folly' is a building that has no particular purpose. This one is the most notable
landmark in our town of Faringdon.

The Faringdon Folly was built in 1935 on a prominent hill in the town which featured in the Civil War* and was known as Cromwell's battery.

The original pine trees outside the tower were planted by Henry Pye who was famous for writing
the nursery rhyme 'Sing a song of sixpence, Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie ...."

There used to be a notice at the bottom of the tower warning those who wished to commit suicide that they did so at their own risk.

*In England we've got over the Civil War now - but Viva la Republique!

Outside views: