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     Photo Submitted by, and Copyright of :- Carl Curtis.

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The eighty foot Racton Tower, in a quiet corner of Sussex, near to its border with Hampshire and the hustle and bustle of the M27 and A27 roads, is now in a horribly dangerous state of repair. The building, which has been referred to as Stansted Castle, and locally as, the 'house of disrepute' in the past, is partly obscured by ivy and the surrounding tree growth, and with its black gaping holes for windows has a slightly sinister look about it.

     Photo Submitted by, and Copyright of Carl Curtis.

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Further Photographs, interior and exterior



Stansted House
The tower was built around 1772 for the nearby 1,750 acre Stansted Estate, probably as a summer house although it is shown on maps as a monument. It consists of a two storey triangular structure with three corner towers attached, from this rises a large tapering central tower which has three floors to it, this originally had a conical roof. The central tower, as well as the three corner structures, were also castellated at one time, although this feature like all the interior floors, has now disappeared.

Architect
It is thought that it was designed by Harry Keene, although some attribute it to his son, Theodosius.
Harry Keene was also involved in the building of Uppark House which is literally just up the road, and includes the now ruined Vandalian Tower   in its grounds.

Visiting:-
The tower is in a dangerous state of repair, and is not meant to be accessible, but possible as the fence that surrounds it has been torn down by vandals. There is however a bridal path that runs alongside, and good views can be obtained from a lane that fronts the tower.

Update July 2007

Recently, planning application has been granted by the Council to allow a private buyer permission to turn the tower back into a private dwelling..

Richard Vobes, a Sussex broadcaster and producer, visited the tower in June 2007. He has made a delightful video diary of his visit, highly recommended.

It is available for immediate download by visiting his own web site:

Co-Ords: 477650 109470 / SU 776094  

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