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Tower or folly

King Alfred's Tower

Stourhead, on the Somerset–Wiltshire border

A triangular tower where Alfred is said to have rallied his army in 878.

Henry Hoare II built this three-sided brick tower, about 49 metres tall, near the spot known as Egbert's Stone. Legend says that is where King Alfred raised his army in 878 before beating the Vikings at the Battle of Edington.

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When
Built 1769–1772
Where
51.1166, -2.3510
Group
Towers & follies

Visiting

National Trust, part of the Stourhead estate. The tower opens for climbs on selected days.

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