Old John Tower
Old John Tower is a folly sitting on the top of the highest hill in Bradgate Park. Built by the Greys in 1784, the folly is, by local legend, a memorial to John, an estate worker killed in a bonfire accident during celebrations of the 21st birthday of the future sixth Earl of Stamford. However the Earl was not 21 until 1786, and a map of 1745 names the hill as 'Old John' - so the legend be more of an embellished tale then true historic account. The tower was used during the 19th century as a viewing point for the horse-racing practice circuit laid out by the seventh earl. (Newtown Linford, England)
historicherolandmark
