Pictures of Old John Tower

a Historic Building in the town of Leicester, in the county of Leicestershire

Old John Tower, Bradgate Park, Leicester

About Old John Tower

Standing on a hill overlooking Bradgate Park, Old John Tower folly is a well known Leicestershire landmark. Built in 1784 as a folly, it has 2 rooms and a distinctive mug shape. Apparently, the tower got its name by the unfortunate tale of a local man, Old John, who was the owner of a windmill that was previously on the spot where the tower was built. It is said that Old John whilst attending the birthday celebrations of the son of the Earl of Stamford, was charged with looking after the fire that had been built around a large flagpole. The fire got out of control, but John refused to desert his post. The fire caused the flagpole to fall, and it landed right on top of him, killing poor Old John. Old John tower was built as a memorial to him.

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Nearby travel help

M1 Junction 22	(3.1 miles, 5.0 km, direction W)
M1 Junction 21A	(3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction S)
Barrow upon Soar Station	(4.8 miles, 7.8 km, direction NE)
Sileby Station	(5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction NE)
East Midlands Airport	(10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction NW)
Birmingham International Airport	(27.4 miles, 44.0 km, direction SW)
Old John Tower to London	(94.5 miles, 152.0 km, direction SE)

Hotels near Old John Tower

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