Paxton's Tower, Neo-Gothic folly tower in Llanarthney, Wales.
Paxton's Tower is a triangular Neo-Gothic structure standing on a hilltop in Carmarthenshire with turrets at each corner. The building contains a banqueting room on the first floor and a hexagonal prospect room on the second floor with roof terraces that open toward the valley views.
William Paxton, a Scottish merchant, commissioned this structure between 1806 and 1809 as a memorial to Admiral Lord Nelson's victory at Trafalgar. The tower represented Paxton's desire to commemorate a major naval triumph during a period of British naval dominance.
The building served as a place for social gatherings, with decorated interior spaces designed for people to spend time and take in the views. This dual purpose as both monument and meeting place reflects how landowners of that era combined commemoration with hospitality.
This structure is maintained by the National Trust and is accessible to visitors interested in exploring the building and its views. The location near the National Botanic Garden of Wales offers an opportunity to combine a visit with other local attractions in the area.
Local stories tell that Paxton originally intended the funds for a bridge across the River Tywi, but decided to build the tower instead after losing a parliamentary election. This change of plans turned a political disappointment into a lasting landmark on the landscape.
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