Sussex has a number of follies, buildings which are often designed to look like something far more important than they actually are. Some of the follies in Sussex can be visited and others on private land but all are fascinating.
One of them is featured in my series of West Sussex walks: Swanbourne Lake – Hiorne Tower (featured in Doctor Who) – Historic Arundel
5. Gibraltar Tower
Built to mark the successful defence of Gibraltar, this tower in Heathfield Park stands at 55ft high and once had three rooms decorated with views of the British Overseas Territory. Francis Francis Newbery commissioned John Crunden to build the tower in memory of the estate's former owner, Brigadier-General George Augustus Eliott, who was involved with the siege between 1779 and 1783 and became Lord Heathfield of Gibraltar. Photo: Google
6. Hiorne Tower
Hiorne Tower in Arundel Park once featured in Doctor Who. This triangular tower was built in 1797 by Francis Hiorne in a failed bid to win the contract to rebuild Arundel Castle and near it is a relic of the Crimean War that was presented to the Duke of Norfolk by Admiral Lord Lyons. Photo: Elaine Hammond
7. Nore Hill Folly
Nore Hill Folly can be found near Slindon. It looks like a gateway and was built of flint in the 18th century by the Newburgh family, possibly due to the countess's liking an Italian picture of a building, and it was used for her picnic parties. Photo: National Trust
8. Racton Monument
A Grade II listed folly, Racton Monument, in Hares Lane, near Stoughton, was designed by Theodosius Kelne for George Montague-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax, and built between 1766 and 1775. It is four-storeys and 80ft high but is now a ruin. Photo: Sam Morton