Castlebourne folly facts for kids

The Castlebourne folly is a special kind of building found in Belbroughton, Worcestershire, England. It was built a long time ago, in the late 1700s, to look like a castle, even though it wasn't a real one used for defense. This type of building is called a "folly." It's quite similar to another folly nearby called Clent Castle, which is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) away.

In the mid-1800s, a house called Castlebourne was built very close to the folly. This house was also designed to look like a castle, in a style known as Gothic. A strong wall, about 18 meters (20 yards) long and 4.5 meters (5 yards) high, connects the folly to the house. This wall even has an archway! Today, the folly, the connecting wall, and the house are all protected as a Grade II listed building by English Heritage, meaning they are important historical structures.

What is a Folly?

A "folly" is a building that looks like something important, like a castle or a ruin, but it doesn't have a practical purpose. People in the past built follies mainly for decoration, to make their gardens or estates look more interesting and grand. They were often built to be seen from a distance, adding beauty to the landscape.

Where is Castlebourne Folly Located?

The Castlebourne folly and the house are built on top of a small hill or mound. This helps them stand out and makes them look even more impressive. They are located in the peaceful countryside of Worcestershire, a county in central England.

What Does the Folly Look Like?

The folly itself has a square shape with three main sections. On each end, there are large, round towers that are two stories high. These towers have pointed windows, some of which are just for show (called "blind" windows). On the second floor, you can see special windows shaped like four-leaf clovers, called "quatrefoil" windows. Above these, there are decorative shapes that look like Maltese crosses.

The middle section of the folly has a pointed doorway that is now blocked off. Above this doorway, there's another window that is also just for decoration. The roof of the folly is made of slate and is hidden behind a decorative wall at the top, which looks like the battlements of a real castle.

The wall that connects the folly to the house faces southwest. It also has a decorative top that looks like castle battlements, sitting above a fancy molded edge called a "cornice."

Protected Status

Being a Grade II listed building means that the Castlebourne folly, the wall, and the house are considered historically important. This status helps protect them, so they can't be changed or knocked down without special permission. It ensures that these unique buildings are preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.