Vandalian Tower

Vandalian Tower is a ruined stone structure standing on Tower Hill near Harting in West Sussex. The walls rise from a hilltop that overlooks rolling countryside close to the National Trust's Uppark estate.

Built in 1774 by architect Henry Keene for Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh, it commemorated a planned British colonial venture called Vandalia. Fire damage in 1842 left the structure in ruins, which it remains today.

The tower carries the story of Emma Hamilton, who watched from this hilltop for glimpses of distant naval activity.Bystanders today can sense how this place once held personal meaning for someone waiting for news from afar.

You can reach the ruins via a footpath from the car park on the B2141 road, though fencing protects the site for safety reasons. The hilltop location means you should expect uneven ground and be prepared for a short climb.

It was built to commemorate a colonial scheme intended for what is now the United States, creating an unexpected link to distant American history. This transatlantic connection adds a surprising layer to what appears as a simple countryside ruin.

Location: Harting

GPS coordinates: 50.95820,-0.88326

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:07