One typical definition of the word ‘folly’ says, ‘A costly ornamental building with no practical purpose, especially a tower or mock-Gothic ruin built in a large garden or park.’
Hiorne Tower overlooks the valley of Pughdean, Swanbourne Lake and the sweeping Downs.
Rather than being built with ‘no practical purpose’ as per the definition of the word ‘folly’, Hiorne’s architectural masterpiece was built with a very definite purpose in response to a direct request from the Duke of Norfolk who wished to see an example of his building style as he was planning to commission him to undertake the restoration of Arundel castle.