Culloden Tower is a well known landmark, standing proud in a field on the edge of Richmond.
Overlooking the River Swale, this was once the country estate of John Yorke MP.
Culloden Tower was built as a folly in around 1746. The architect was probably Daniell Garrett, who was very fond of the Palladian style of architecture. Garrett was known for his design of Rococo plasterwork
The name of the tower refers to the victory of the Duke of Cumberland over Bonnie Prince Charlie at the battle of Culloden in 1746.
Culloden Tower has four storeys and a roof terrace. Its rectangular base may have been part of an earlier peel tower, a small fortified keep built as a watch tower and to deter marauding Scots and partly as a status symbol.
Standing isolated in the field, Culloden Tower fell into disrepair until the Landmark Trust took it over in 1981 and restored it. It's now available through the Landmark Trust as a holiday let. Guests describe it as being like "staying in a large Wedgewood vase" thanks to the carving and plasterwork inside.
You can't normally see inside the tower unless you pay to stay there but for two days in August it's open free of charge to the public as part of Richmond's Georgian Festival. After climbing 66 stairs you're rewarded with unusual octagonal rooms and wonderful views - and the knowledge you've seen the interior of a landmark few ever go inside.
Overlooking the River Swale, this was once the country estate of John Yorke MP.
Culloden Tower was built as a folly in around 1746. The architect was probably Daniell Garrett, who was very fond of the Palladian style of architecture. Garrett was known for his design of Rococo plasterwork
The name of the tower refers to the victory of the Duke of Cumberland over Bonnie Prince Charlie at the battle of Culloden in 1746.
Culloden Tower has four storeys and a roof terrace. Its rectangular base may have been part of an earlier peel tower, a small fortified keep built as a watch tower and to deter marauding Scots and partly as a status symbol.
Standing isolated in the field, Culloden Tower fell into disrepair until the Landmark Trust took it over in 1981 and restored it. It's now available through the Landmark Trust as a holiday let. Guests describe it as being like "staying in a large Wedgewood vase" thanks to the carving and plasterwork inside.
You can't normally see inside the tower unless you pay to stay there but for two days in August it's open free of charge to the public as part of Richmond's Georgian Festival. After climbing 66 stairs you're rewarded with unusual octagonal rooms and wonderful views - and the knowledge you've seen the interior of a landmark few ever go inside.
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