By: neal h - 9th February 2006 at 21:56
Beat me to it Rlangham
By: neal h - 9th February 2006 at 21:55
The folly on the top of the hill ( far right photo on top row) is known as Old John and is believed to be named after an old retainer of the fifth Earl of Stamford who erected it in his memory after John, the retainer, was accidentally killed there.
Neal
By: Rlangham - 9th February 2006 at 21:52
Old John is the building on top of the hill, that is a tower and an arch, that looks like a Beer tankard – and it’s supposed to. Old John worked for the guy that owned the land back in the 19th Century. There was a big bonfire on top of the hill and Old John was killed by a big log (think it crushed him, not sure). Old John liked his drink so as a tribute, the land owner had the folly built, in the shape of a Beer Tankard, as a memorial to him.
Edit – some more info here http://www.follies.btinternet.co.uk/leic.html
And this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_John which seems to contradict my theory, but who knows!
By: barrythemod - 9th February 2006 at 21:46
Who/what is “Old John” ?
By: Rlangham - 9th February 2006 at 21:18
Very nice, haven’t been up there in ages, good to see ‘Old John’ still standing proud
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February 9, 2006 at 9:15 pm