It was built in 1845 by Wade Browne, a local landowner of the time.
Although structurally sound, it has not been open for use by the public for many years. Perhaps one day it may be - the views which it would provide would be worth it!
Browne's Folly is now within the
Avon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve which extends for about 100 acres,
and includes woods containing a very wide range of flora and fauna.
These woods provide a splendid and most exercising walk.
For those who must drive in order to walk, it is accessible from a car park which can be
found towards the top of the steep hill at Prospect Place, found on the right some way up
Bathford Hill.
Since 1998 Browne's Folly has been administered by The Folly Fellowship of Newbury.
Browne or Brown? According to the plaque in the church at Farleigh Hungerford, and to the Will of Squire Wade Browne the elder held in Birmingham, the name should be spelt with the final "e".
