The Folly, Pontypool, built 1765.

The original
Folly Tower

Built by John Hanbury, the local iron master who owned Pontypool Park, in 1765, the tower appears to have been renovated by Capel Hanbury Leigh around 1831. It is reputed to have been used as a lookout for the local hunts and as a summerhouse for the family.

These postcards show the tower from the same viewpoint, but years apart.                 

It has commanding views of the surrounding countryside and on clear days it is said that you can see 7 counties from the top.

At the onset of the Second World War, the tower was demolished on 9th July 1940, as it was felt to be a landmark for enemy aircraft trying to locate the ordnance factory at Glascoed.                                   

A landmark viewed from the Brecon & Monmouthshire canal

The rebuilt Folly Tower

By September 1993, the Folly Tower had risen to approximately 20ft and was then a visible sight on the ridge. During the winter months the work to continue building the next stage of the Folly Tower was placed out to tender and awarded to Davies and Jenkins, a local builder.

On 22nd July 1994, the Prince of Wales performed the official opening ceremony and the Folly Tower once again stood proudly on the ridge as a landmark for all.                 


How do I access the Service?                 

Access to the Folly Tower is available to all, including schools and walking groups.

Opening Times (Please check before travelling):

The Folly Tower is open from 2 - 5pm on the following dates:

April - Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd, Sun 24th, Mon 25th, Fri 29th, Sat 30th                 
May - Sat 28th, Sun 29th, Mon 30th

June - n/a

July - Sat 30th, Sun 31st                 
August - Sat 6th, Sun 7th, Sat 20th, Sun 21st, Sat 27th, Sun 28th, Mon 29th

Groups of 10+ by appointment only at other times.

Access to the Tower is from Folly Lane Car Park (Follow the brown viewpoint signs from Pontypool). Access involves walking through a field with livestock present, so dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

                    

For further information on the Folly Tower, contact the Pontypool Park Manager.

http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/ServiceDirectory/Services/FollyTower.aspx