Culloden Tower
Folly In Richmond, North Yorkshire
Folly in the heart of Richmond, now a beautiful holiday let.
Culloden Tower was built in 1746 on the estate of John Yorke MP, by architect Daniel Garrett. If you're an avid reader of Fabulous North, you'll know that Daniel Garrett was also the architect behind Rothley Castle and Gibside Banqueting House, and Culloden Tower has the same Gothic style.
Named after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, where the British crown decisively crushed the Jacobite rebellion, the tower served as a celebratory gesture by Yorke. Initially known as the Cumberland Temple after the victorious Duke of Cumberland, the name later changed to the more neutral Culloden Tower, perhaps reflecting a softening of sentiment over time.
The tower itself is a fascinating mix of architectural styles. Built on the foundations of an earlier pele tower, it displays classical influences in it's symmetrical design and use of columns. Inside you can spot Daniel Garrett's trademark style with beautiful, ornate plasterwork and spiral staircases. It's isolated location and lack of defensive features solidify its status as a decorative folly rather than a practical structure.
Yorke House was demolished in the 19th century, leaving the tower alone in the landscape. This led to neglect and vandalism, until the Landmark Trust stepped in and rescued the tower in 1981. Their restoration brought the tower back to life, preserving its historical significance and architectural beauty.
You can now stay at Culloden Tower and you can book online on the Landmark Trust website: Landmark Trust. The link also takes you to some pictures of the stunning interior and views from the roof terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside.
If you're staying in the Richmond area, you'll certainly find plenty of things to do. Not far from Culloden Tower is Richmond Castle, which is well worth a visit and you can spot the tower from the top.
Get 1 point if you have visited this place. Already visited by 40 VIPs.
Login to the VIP area to add places to your bucket list, mark them as visited and more importantly see where you rank on the league table.
How To Find Culloden Tower
Where To Park For Culloden Tower?
Lat / Long
54.401426, 54.401426
What three words
There's a car park at Yorke Square, where you will see the tower.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
More Places from SandraMore Places In Richmond
Find more fabulous places in Richmond, North Yorkshire and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
Greyfriars Tower
Religious Place Richmond North YorkshireA tower which is all that remains of the Greyfriars Franciscan Friary in the centre of Richmond.
Church of St Agatha
Religious Place Richmond North YorkshireA church in Richmond with built elements dating from the 12th century.
Beacon On Beacon Hill South
Landmark Richmond North YorkshireA beacon on a hill just outside Richmond that was supposidly erected for Millennium celebrations.
More Follies
So this folly wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Oliver Duckett Folly
Folly Richmond North YorkshireMagnificent folly on the outskirts of Richmond, built around 1760.
Hackfall
Folly Ripon North YorkshireAn ancient woodland containing five follies and lots of routes to wander.
Sorrelsykes Follies
Folly Aysgarth North YorkshireA trio of curious follies located behind Sorrelsykes House near Aysgarth.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To AlertsFind Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook GroupCulloden Tower was listed in Folly // North Yorkshire // Richmond