Faringdon Folly

 

The Eccentric Vision: The Story of Faringdon Folly

Faringdon Folly is a notable landmark located in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, England. Here are some key details about it:

Chapter 1: The Beginning

In the heart of Oxfordshire, atop Faringdon Hill, stands an enigmatic and whimsical tower known as the Faringdon Folly. To the casual observer, it is a curious architectural anomaly, but to those who delve into its history, it is a testament to the eccentricities and creative spirit of one man—Lord Berners.

Lord Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson, 14th Baron Berners, was an aristocrat, a composer, a writer, and an artist with a flair for the unconventional. Born in 1883, he inherited the title and the family estate in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, at the age of 30. It was here that his eclectic tastes and love for the bizarre began to take physical form.

Chapter 2: The Visionary

Lord Berners was a man who defied the norms of his time. His colourful personality was reflected in everything he did, from dyeing his pigeons in vibrant hues to keeping a pet giraffe. His home at Faringdon House became a sanctuary for artists, writers, and musicians. The likes of Salvador Dalí, Stravinsky, and Evelyn Waugh were frequent visitors, all drawn to the magnetic eccentricity of their host.

Lord Berners

The idea of constructing a folly was born out of Berners' desire to create something purely for the sake of whimsy and beauty. The concept of a "folly"—a building constructed primarily for decoration—had been popular in England since the 18th century. These structures, often built without any practical purpose, were intended to amuse and inspire. For Berners, the folly was an extension of his artistic expression and a symbol of his rejection of conventionality.

Chapter 3: Building the Folly

Construction of the Faringdon Folly began in 1935. Lord Berners chose the location on Faringdon Hill for its panoramic views and historical significance. The hill, with its ancient Iron Age fort, provided a perfect foundation for his project. Berners enlisted the help of architect Gerald Wellesley and designer Rex Whistler to bring his vision to life.

The tower was designed to be 140 feet tall, with an octagonal base tapering slightly as it rose. Made of brick and stone, it featured decorative elements that added to its charm. The construction process itself was a spectacle. Berners often invited friends to witness the progress, hosting elaborate picnics on the hill. He revelled in the absurdity of building something so grandiose without any practical purpose.

Despite the light-hearted nature of the project, the construction was not without its challenges. The hill's elevation and the tower's height required careful engineering. Local laborers, bemused by the project, worked diligently under Berners' watchful eye. His presence on the site was a constant source of amusement, as he would arrive in flamboyant attire, accompanied by his dyed pigeons and often riding his pet giraffe.

Chapter 4: A Tower Completed

In 1937, the Faringdon Folly was completed. The tower, standing tall and proud on the hill, was a sight to behold. Its viewing platform offered breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside, including the Vale of White Horse and the Cotswolds. The interior of the folly was as whimsical as its exterior, with walls adorned with murals painted by Rex Whistler and inscriptions reflecting Berners' wit.

One such inscription read: "Members of the public committing suicide from this tower do so at their own risk." This dark humor was typical of Berners, who enjoyed playing with the macabre and the absurd.

The folly quickly became a local landmark. Its presence on the hill was both an oddity and a point of pride for the residents of Faringdon. It was a testament to the spirit of creativity and the joy of the absurd—a place where one could escape the mundane and embrace the whimsical.

Chapter 5: Life at Faringdon House

Faringdon House, the residence of Lord Berners, was just as eccentric as its owner. The house was a haven for creativity, with rooms filled with art, music, and literature. Berners' love for the bizarre was evident in every corner, from the colorful pigeons that roamed the grounds to the eclectic mix of guests who visited.

Evelyn Waugh, a close friend of Berners, described Faringdon House as a "palace of the absurd." Waugh himself was inspired by Berners' eccentricities, incorporating elements of his personality into the character of Lord Merlin in his novel "Brideshead Revisited."

Life at Faringdon House was never dull. Berners would host elaborate parties, where guests would be treated to musical performances, theatrical readings, and surreal spectacles. One famous anecdote involves Berners inviting friends to watch his giraffe, which he had dressed in a specially tailored coat, taking a stroll through the gardens.

Chapter 6: The War Years

The outbreak of World War II brought changes to Faringdon. The folly, with its commanding view of the surrounding countryside, was used as an observation post. Soldiers stationed in the tower kept watch for enemy aircraft, and the once whimsical structure took on a new, more somber role.

Despite the war, Berners continued to entertain guests at Faringdon House, albeit with more restraint. The house provided a refuge for friends and artists, offering a semblance of normalcy in a time of turmoil. Berners' eccentricities provided a welcome distraction from the harsh realities of the war.

Chapter 7: Legacy of Whimsy

Lord Berners passed away in 1950, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and eccentricity that continues to inspire. The Faringdon Folly, his most visible creation, stands as a monument to his unique vision. Over the years, the tower has been lovingly maintained by the Faringdon Folly Tower Trust, a group dedicated to preserving this historic structure.

The folly remains open to the public, attracting visitors from near and far. It is a popular destination for walkers and tourists, who come to enjoy the panoramic views and to experience a piece of history infused with whimsy. The tower also hosts events, from art exhibitions to musical performances, continuing Berners' tradition of celebrating creativity.

Chapter 8: The Folly Today

Today, Faringdon Folly is more than just a landmark; it is a symbol of the power of imagination. The tower stands as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that there is beauty in the unconventional. Visitors climbing the winding staircase to the viewing platform are not just enjoying a scenic vista; they are connecting with the spirit of Lord Berners and his belief in the joy of the absurd.

The surrounding woodland, known as Folly Wood, adds to the charm of the location. The woods are home to a variety of wildlife, and the paths leading to the tower are dotted with quirky sculptures and installations, reflecting Berners' playful spirit. It is a place where nature and art coexist, offering a unique experience to all who visit.

Local folklore and stories about the folly continue to thrive. Tales of Berners' eccentricities, from his musical compositions to his flamboyant fashion, are passed down through generations. The tower has become a focal point for community events, from annual fairs to historical re-enactments, ensuring that Berners' legacy remains alive and vibrant.

Chapter 9: Inspirations and Reflections

The story of Faringdon Folly is not just about a tower; it is about the man behind it and the creative spirit he embodied. Lord Berners' life was a testament to the idea that art and creativity are essential to the human experience. His willingness to embrace the unconventional and to find joy in the absurd has inspired countless individuals.

Artists and writers continue to draw inspiration from Berners' life and work. His music, though often overshadowed by his other eccentricities, is still performed and celebrated. His writings, filled with wit and humor, offer a glimpse into his unique worldview. The folly, with its whimsical architecture and panoramic views, remains a source of inspiration for those who visit.

Berners' belief in the power of creativity and the importance of whimsy is perhaps best summed up in one of his own quotes: "The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings." This sentiment captures the essence of Faringdon Folly—a place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where the imagination is free to soar.

Chapter 10: A Lasting Legacy

As we reflect on the story of Faringdon Folly, it is clear that Lord Berners' legacy extends far beyond the tower on the hill. His life and work continue to inspire and entertain, reminding us of the importance of embracing our individuality and finding joy in the unexpected.

The folly stands as a monument to creativity and a beacon of whimsy, inviting all who visit to see the world through the eyes of an artist. It is a place where history and imagination intersect, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of one of England's most eccentric and beloved figures.

Faringdon Folly is not just a relic of the past; it is a living testament to the enduring power of creativity. As visitors climb its winding stairs and gaze out over the countryside, they are participating in a tradition of whimsy and wonder that began with Lord Berners and continues to this day.

And so, the story of Faringdon Folly is not just a tale of a tower, but a celebration of the human spirit—a reminder that there is beauty in the absurd, and that the world is richer for the eccentricities and creativity of individuals like Lord Berners.