Sham Castle, 18th century folly in Bathampton, England.
The stone castle structure stands on a hill with a Gothic facade featuring three towers connected by curtain walls and decorative battlements.
Ralph Allen commissioned architect Sanderson Miller to construct this ornamental building in 1762 to improve the view from his townhouse in Bath.
The castle demonstrates the 18th-century practice of building artificial ruins and decorative structures to enhance landscaped gardens and estates.
Visitors can reach the castle by following a marked path from North Road in Bathampton, with free access to the exterior throughout the year.
The structure consists of a single wall facade without any rooms or interior spaces, creating an optical illusion when viewed from certain angles.
Location: Bathampton
GPS coordinates: 51.38250,-2.33750
Latest update: March 3, 2025 11:48
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