Hiorns Tower in West Sussex, England

The old gentry of Sussex sure were keen on a folly. Nothing says "I'm wealthier than you!" better than an ultimately purposeless structure perched up in the hills for everyone to marvel at. Well done to the 11th Duke of Norfolk then, for creating something that looks so regal from afar but turns out to be quite an embarrassingly small and purely ornamental "castle" from up close. You'd be forgiven for thinking that this castle-like building, perched atop South Downs hill, had something to do with the nearby Arundel Castle, with it's classic turrets and imposing form. But get up close and you'll see it's a noble, but incomparable attempt to fit in with the real royals. Still, it does command some cracking views of the rolling green hills of the South Downs, and the building is worth a look.

Apr 2, 2025 - 16:13

The old gentry of Sussex sure were keen on a folly. Nothing says "I'm wealthier than you!" better than an ultimately purposeless structure perched up in the hills for everyone to marvel at.

Well done to the 11th Duke of Norfolk then, for creating something that looks so regal from afar but turns out to be quite an embarrassingly small and purely ornamental "castle" from up close.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that this castle-like building, perched atop South Downs hill, had something to do with the nearby Arundel Castle, with it's classic turrets and imposing form. But get up close and you'll see it's a noble, but incomparable attempt to fit in with the real royals.

Still, it does command some cracking views of the rolling green hills of the South Downs, and the building is worth a look.