The
tower or folly is not actually one hundred feet tall. It is in fact 94
feet high and offers panoramic views of leafy Edgbaston and the
surrounding area from its top. Aside from the many stories as to why it
was built the real reason probably lies in it being a place to
entertain friends. Possibly an observatory. Nevertheless an impressive
landmark from which to view the surrounding area.
In the
1300's the area in which the Folly now stands was a large enclosed park
of heath and woodland, called Parc de Rotton juxta Birmingham. Much
larger than the current park of today this area was prime hunting
ground. In 1628 the park was sold to Humphrey Perrott of Bell Hall,
Belbroughton. The estate later passed to John Perrott, the last of the
Perrotts, who inherited the estate in 1737 at the age of 35. He lived
in the large lodge in the park, later known as Monument House,
preferring it to Bell Hall. Some twenty one years later in 1758 he
built the tower which we now know as Perrott's Folly.
The
folly is currently closed and no visits are taking place. Hopefully
this landmark will be re opened to the public soon.