King Alfred's Tower looks a lot more like something one would anticipate seeing in a fantasy Walt Disney movie than what one would actually see in real life. But King Alfred's Tower isn't fantasy, it's a “folly” in England's stunning Somerset region around the border with Wiltshire. Today King Alfred's Tower is one of the British National Trust and it is a protected building in England.
It belongs to one of the most stunning estates in England. England has numerous stunning estates that everyone should visit – including the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace – believed to be Britain's Greatest Palace.
Background of The “Folly” King Alfred's Tower
The tower was built by Henry Hoare II (a banker) in the 1760s to commemorate no more the Seven Years' War against France and the accession of King George III.
For historical context, negligence the Seven Year's War that spilled over into The united states is called the French and Indian Wars where the British defeated the French and took control of their colony of New France including Quebec.
- Seven Year's War: Once the British Took What can Become Canada In the French
- Folly: A luxurious Building That Adds no value
The location he chose was near Egbert's Stone, where legend has it that Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, rallied the Anglo-Saxons in 878 and defeated the Danish Vikings in the Battle of Edington (Wessex was the last kingdom in England which had not fallen towards the Vikings).
- Significance from the Location: Where Alfred The truly amazing Rallied The Anglo-Saxons To fight From the Vikings
There are some inscriptions round the surrounding Stourhead estate. The main one on the tower is on a stone tablet and reads:
One doesn't have to go to Europe to discover the Vikings, one can even learn more about the Vikings in Canada (as well as Greenland). In Newfoundland, it's possible to see the short-lived Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows. It is now known the Vikings have there been exactly 1,000 years back.
The Design And What to anticipate Visiting King Alfred's Tower
The tower is within a triangular shape and is hollow within the center – inside is a statue of King Alfred together with a dedication inscription. There are round projections in each of the three corners of these one has a spiral staircase leading to the very best. One enters in the southeast face of the tower through a gothic-arched entrance door.
- Height: 161 Feet or 49 Meters
- Material: Brick
- Built: Were only available in 1769 or 1770 and handle in 1772
- Number of Steps: 205 Steps
The tower was damaged by a plane in the mid 1940s and restored in the 1980s.
In recent times a mess has been put on the top tower to stop birds from entering the hollow center of the building. At the very top is a brick tower with Chilmark stone dressings that is surmounted by an embattled parapet.
- Car Park: There Is A Car Park Nearby
- Closed: By Time of Writing (March 2022) Alfred's Tower is Closed To The Public
- Admission Fee: Begin to see the Stourhead Listing Around the National Trust
While there, consider taking a hike in the English countryside. It's found at the beginning of the 28-mile or 45-kilometer long Leland Trail that runs from King Alfred's Tower to Ham Hill Country Park.
Related: This is exactly what It's Like To Stay At Mount Juliet Estate In Kilkenny, Ireland
The Fabulous Estate of Stourhead
King Alfred's Tower is situated around the memorable Stourhead Estate and thus belongs to a much larger attraction. The Stourhead estate is a 1,072-hectare (2,650-acre) estate and is certainly one of England's most famous gardens in the English landscape garden style, farmland, and woodland.
- National Trust: Stourhead Had Been Part-Owned By The National Trust Since 1946
The 2005 movie, Pride and Prejudice, (starring Keira Knightly and Mathew Macfadyen) was partly filmed here so the Jane Austin fans available may recognize this estate. The garden's classic Temple of Apollo may be the site where Mr. Darcy makes his first proposal to Miss Elizabeth Bennet within the pouring rain.
Here it's possible to tour and never only relive adaptations of Jane Austin's greatest works but additionally see probably the most classic English gardens.
Opening Hours (Note Hours Vary Seasonally – Hours For March Shown):
- Garden and carpark: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- House: Guided tours (Per Their Website)
- Restaurant: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Shop: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Price: Adult lb19.80 ($26 USD)
