Perrott's Folly

Perrott's Folly is a six-story brick tower in Edgbaston reaching roughly 29 meters in height with a hexagonal main body. A circular staircase tower is attached to its side.

John Perrott had this observation tower built in 1758 near his home to survey the surrounding Rotton Park lands. In the 1800s, meteorologist Abraham Follet Osler used it for systematic weather observations.

The structure became a gathering point for scientific curiosity and attracted researchers who recognized its value as an elevated observation platform.

The tower shows water damage, particularly in ornate ceiling plasterwork and upper sections, affecting its condition. It is best to check access conditions before planning a visit.

The tower served as a weather observation point from 1884 to 1979, contributing to early forecasting efforts over many decades. This lengthy period of scientific use makes it an unusual example of a private structure adapted for meteorological research.

Location: Birmingham

GPS coordinates: 52.47440,-1.93124

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42