Beckford's Tower
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Beckford's Tower is an architectural folly built in neo-classical style and situated on Lansdown Hill, just outside Bath, Somerset, England.
Standing 120-feet high, the tower was completed in 1827 for local resident William Beckford to a design by Henry Goodridge. Beckford used the tower as both a library and a retreat located at the end of pleasure gardens called Beckford's Ride that linked his house with the tower.
The most striking feature of the tower is the topmost gilded 'Belvedere', reached by a spiral staircase and offering excellent views over the surrounding country side. Today, the tower is both a museum and a holiday home available for rent through the Landmark Trust, although it is owned by an independent trust.
A Victorian era cemetery now occupies part of what was once Beckford's Ride.
