This fine Victorian folly stands in neglected and slightly overgrown landscaped grounds, at the entrance from Rafford Way.
In 2019 it was sold, along with a quarter of the park lands at the civic centre, for housing development.
The folly was Grade II listed by English Heritage in 1955 because:
- It is an intrinsically interesting mid-c19th folly, unusually employing Norman-style decoration to evoke the spirit of the former bishop’s palace
- It is probably by Pulhams, one of the most innovative and interesting c19th firms of garden contractors.
English Heritage At Risk listing: here. It is listed as being in ‘Very bad’ condition and ‘Slow decay; no solution agreed’
Browse our old photos, in 
from being dominated by tower blocks: Look here and email our ward councillors about:
*