P  a  x  t  o  n  `s    T  o  w  e  r

Photograph:- Andy Nickless (See link Page)  

Also sometimes called Nelson`s Tower, this is a substantial folly with - like a lot of follies - a fascinating tale behind its construction. Situated just outside of Llandeilo, the story behind this tower is that it was built in 1811 by Sir William Paxton, as proof to everyone that he was not bankrupt after running an unsuccessful election campaign in 1802.


Election Fiasco
It is recorded that he spent £15,000 on entertainment, a small fortune in those times, to woo the voters - but he still lost, admittedly by a small margin though.
   Initially to prove he was not financially finished he wanted to build the bridge across the river Towy that he had promised should he have won the election, but permission was refused. The story continues that undaunted he then constructed this magnificent triangular folly with its central hexagonal turret on a hill overlooking the Towy river.
   



However the story does not stand up to scrutiny, as in the intervening period he had won the election of 1806, so he no longer really had to prove anything, to anyone.
    Maybe he just liked folly towers, because the plaque that Paxton placed on the tower indicates it was built to commemorate Lord Nelson`s victories, this may be the rather mundane truth, which is no good for a story behind a folly!

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Photograph By Dik Whibley (See link Page)  

Co-Ords: 254100 219150 / SN 541191  

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