The Hadlow Tower

Attraction | Tonbridge | Angleterre | Royaume Uni

Architecture gothique du 19e siècle

La tour Hadlow, également connue sous le nom de May's Folly, est un exemple marquant de l'architecture néogothique du 19ème siècle et est située dans le village de Hadlow près de Tonbridge dans le Kent, en Angleterre. Avec une hauteur d'environ 175 pieds.

Histoire et restauration de Hadlow Tower

Les origines de la tour remontent à la fin du 18ème siècle, lorsque Walter May fit construire le château Hadlow dans le style néogothique appelé "Strawberry Hill Gothic". Son fils, Walter Barton May, a étendu la propriété à partir de 1838 en ajoutant la tour octogonale conçue par l'architecte George Ledwell Taylor. Deux ans plus tard, en 1840, la tour a été agrandie de 40 pieds.

Horaires de visite pour Hadlow Tower

Au fil du temps, la propriété a changé plusieurs fois de propriétaire. Pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la tour a été utilisée comme poste d'observation par la Home Guard et le Royal Observer Corps. Après la guerre, le château est resté vide et est progressivement tombé en ruine. En 1951, une grande partie du château de Hadlow a été démolie, mais la tour et quelques dépendances ont été préservées.

Hadlow Castle et ses propriétaires

La tour a subi des dommages importants lors de la tempête de 1987, en particulier au niveau de la lanterne, qui a finalement été retirée en 1996. Face à la détérioration continue, la tour a été acquise de force par les autorités locales en 2006 pour permettre sa restauration. Les travaux de restauration approfondis ont commencé en 2011 sous la direction du Vivat Trust et se sont achevés en 2013. Depuis lors, la tour brille de nouveau et est considérée comme le plus grand Folly restauré au Royaume-Uni.

Bâtiments historiques dans le Kent

Après la restauration, la tour Hadlow a été ouverte au public, offrant à la fois un petit musée au rez-de-chaussée et la possibilité de séjourner dans les étages supérieurs. Cependant, après la faillite du Vivat Trust en 2015, la tour a été mise en vente et est depuis lors en propriété privée. Actuellement, la tour n'est pas accessible au public.

Coordonnées

Web

Téléphone
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Adresse
Hadlow Castle, High St
Hadlow
TN11 0EG Tonbridge

Vue de carte

Avis

44 Avis

WALTER TREBUCHON
20.08.2024

Beau mais pas visitable
Jacqueline Maple
26.09.2023

Go and see this unusual tower and learn the history of how the luftwaffe used this aerial landmark to start droping their bombs in the war.
Jorita Schosswald
12.06.2023

Nice tower on private property. It is very difficult to get close for closeups. There's a lady who gives good directions to follow to have the best spots for photographs. Only 1 addition to her directions. The path to follow starts opposite nr 7. Lots of nettles. Wear long trousers or you'll regret it.
Liela Ibrahim (‫ليلى ابراهيم‬‎)
11.12.2022

Great pub lovely atmosphere carvery amazing bar staff helpful!
Igor Chereda
14.05.2022

Beautiful place but you need to book a time to visit.
Irina Springate
26.10.2021

After reading nice reviews about this tower we have decided to see it with our own eyes and didn't regret our decision. The building is absolutely spectacular! It can be seen even from the distance because it is very high above the trees. Hadlow octagonal tower locally known as May's folly, is a Victorian tower, and apparently, one of the largest in Britain! It was built in 1838 by architect George Ledwell Taylor. We have parked our car just outside of the barber shop, which located on the left handside not far away from main entrance gates, and walked to the direction of the St Mary's Church. Just before entrance to the church yard, there is the path you can take on the left hand side, which if you follow around and through building up area you will come to the dead end, where you have to turn right and continue the alley way until you will see the gates on the right handside. If you go through the gates and follow the overgrown path, you can come closer to the tower and take nice shots. The best shots, in my opinion would be from the field or across the litter lake, which is not far from the tower. Definitely unforgettable experience and we are recommending it!
Charles Catt
11.09.2021

Nice to visit but hard to park.
Helen Orrin
08.09.2021

Pas visitable en ce moment mais impressionnant ...
John Gibbs
11.04.2021

It's a awsome tower
Reda Karpaviciene
11.04.2021

Amazing building just shame that it isn't open for public.
R Clarke
03.01.2021

Beautiful building
Christian Tym
10.01.2020

The most Unique and beautiful building I have ever seen
Dave Rivers
31.12.2019

A nice very attractive building. Such a shame it's not publicly owned and available for visits. A crime really. But overall looks lovely.
GoatsEatsOats K (Goats eat oats)
24.10.2019

Sleepover was great! Friend's parents owns the tower so we got the best rooms. Maybe slightly biased but I mean, I would come again.
Carol Tym
31.08.2019

wow! Great stay. Super value for a truly unique experience
Sebastian Tym
15.08.2019

Amazing building with an amazing setting
Paddy Jordan
21.07.2019

Very relaxing
Rowan Wright
06.07.2019

Stayed in the Tower for a night after winning a competition for the stay. Rooms were amazing and services such as TV and WiFi were provided. Views were stunning from the top and the gardens surrounding the tower were peaceful including a pond which was perfect in the sun.
Adam Wieczorek
05.06.2019

Something unusual near Tonbridge. Pop in for 30 min when on your way. Visible landmark from a distance.
Cariad Ginola
22.05.2019

Beautiful building with great views
Paul Border
21.03.2019

excellent
Gemma Curd
02.03.2018

Beautiful tower. Go here regularly on my dog walks through the village. Shame it's only a holiday home now and not open to other visitors.
Laura Bayliss
04.10.2017

Unique and memorable
james collins
30.09.2017

We stayed at this place last weekend for my 40th birthday, really fantastic. A unique and very special place to stay, stunning views. Thoroughly recommended
Esther Fifield
30.09.2017

I felt like I was staying in the Disney Castle, just incredible!
Francisca Grol
30.09.2017

Great!

 

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