Flounders' Folly, Stone tower on Callow Hill, Shropshire, England.
Flounders' Folly is an 80-foot stone tower located at the western end of Wenlock Edge in Shropshire. It offers views from its observation platform across multiple English counties and the mountain ranges of England and Wales.
Benjamin Flounders commissioned the tower in 1838 to mark his seventieth birthday and establish boundaries between four estates. The structure gained Grade II listed building status, recognizing its historical importance.
Local stories about the tower suggest that Mr. Flounders hoped to watch ships in the Bristol Channel, an idea that was geographically impossible and reveals something about his eccentric personality. This humorous legend continues to shape how local people talk about and laugh at the structure today.
The tower opens monthly to visitors, with access limited to eight people at a time climbing 78 stairs to the observation platform. Visitors should check opening times in advance and be prepared for climbing stairs.
Interpretative illustrations at the viewing platform help visitors identify distant landmarks including the Malverns, Black Mountains, and Cader Idris. These aids make exploring the surrounding landscape particularly rewarding for those unfamiliar with the area.
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