Wild Guide Central England

Best for
Ruins & Follies
As a nation we are spoilt for choice in the sheer number
and quality of amazing buildings scattered around the
country. From serious fortifications, castles and spiritual
centres of worship, to works of aristocratic whimsy, there
is something to see around every corner 7.
When we first started to learn our history as children,
the evocative stories of our ancestors engaged in battle
over fortified lands created romantic notions of knights
and heroes, further fuelled by the legends of less strictly
historical figures like King Arthur and Robin Hood. Later,
when we come to own homes of our own, there is perhaps
a touch of envy in seeing how the other half once lived
– and perhaps an intrigue into how quickly it can all slip
away into ruins.
English Heritage e and the National Trust r do a fine job
of preserving many sites, but we think the greatest joy is
finding some almost-forgotten, hidden-away remnant of
our past, nestled in an overgrown corner of a field or wood.
Errwood Hall Ruins p55
Throwley Old Hall p64
Vernon’s Folly p137
Horsley Castle p137
White Ladies Priory p168
Richard’s Castle p206
Snodhill Castle p217
Longtown Castle p217 (pictured)
Grosmont Castle p218
The Eyecatcher p266
Purton Hulks p278
26