Originally posted by stevebrot Why is this called a "folly"?
Steve
It wasn't a real castle. It was built as a ruin in the grounds of Wimpole Hall so that the view from the house, across the artificial lake (also built by Capability Brown) was of this "ruined" castle. More locally, the original Medieval church in Ayot St Lawrence was partially demolished to create a Romantic ruin. A new church was built in a Greek Revival style, again where it could be seen from the main house. Having a landscaped park with Romantic ruins and classical temples was a big thing amongst the wealthy in 18th century Britain.