The Hadlow Tower
Sightseeing attraction | Tonbridge | England | United Kingdom
The Hadlow Tower, also known as May's Folly, is a striking example of 19th-century neo-Gothic architecture located in the village of Hadlow near Tonbridge in Kent, England. Standing at approximately 175 feet tall,
The origins of the tower date back to the late 18th century, when Walter May built Hadlow Castle in the "Strawberry Hill Gothic" style. His son, Walter Barton May, expanded the estate in 1838 to include the octagonal tower, designed by architect George Ledwell Taylor. Two years later, in 1840, the tower was extended by an additional 40 feet
Over time, the property changed hands several times. During World War II, the tower served as an observation post for the Home Guard and the Royal Observer Corps. After the war, the castle stood empty and fell into disrepair. In 1951, much of Hadlow Castle was demolished, with the tower and some outbuildings remaining.
The tower suffered significant damage during the Great Storm of 1987, particularly to the lantern, which was eventually removed in 1996. Due to ongoing decay, the tower was compulsorily purchased by the local authority in 2006 to enable restoration. Extensive restoration work began in 2011 under the management of the Vivat Trust and was completed in 2013. Since then, the tower has been restored to its former glory and is considered the tallest restored folly in Britain.
Following the restoration, Hadlow Tower was opened to the public, offering a small museum on the ground floor and the opportunity to stay in the upper floors. However, after the Vivat Trust went bankrupt in 2015, the tower was put up for sale and has since been in private ownership. Currently, the tower is not accessible to the public.
The Hadlow Tower remains an impressive example of 19th-century neo-Gothic architecture, showcasing the rich history of Hadlow Castle and its owners.
