Horton Tower is an intriguing Grade II* listed folly standing 140 feet tall in splendid isolation near Wimborne. Built in 1722 by Humphrey Sturt, this red brick observation tower served as a hunting lookout over the Sturt family’s vast Horton Estate. The tower’s dramatic silhouette dominates the surrounding countryside and has inspired artists and photographers for three centuries. Though not regularly open to the public, the tower’s exterior and dramatic setting can be appreciated from nearby footpaths. The structure exemplifies the 18th-century fashion for ornamental buildings in landscaped estates. Despite deterioration over the years, the tower remains an evocative landmark representing the grandeur of Georgian landed estates. Its romantic decay and commanding presence continue to captivate visitors exploring Dorset’s hidden architectural gems.
Photo by Ian Capper from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Horton Tower
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
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