Perrott's Folly: Birmingham's Historic Tower and Tolkien Inspiration
An 18th-century tower in Birmingham blending history, mystery, and Tolkien lore, standing tall as a landmark of heritage and community art.
Perrott's Folly is a striking 29-metre-high tower built in 1758 by local landowner John Perrott in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Originally constructed as an observatory and fashionable venue, it later served as a weather station. The tower is famous for its possible influence on J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Two Towers' and is a Grade II* listed building. Managed by a local charity, it hosts occasional art events and remains an important heritage landmark requiring ongoing preservation.
A brief summary to Perrott's Folly
- 44 Waterworks Rd, Birmingham, B16 9AL, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check ahead for special open days or art events when the tower is accessible to visitors.
- Explore the surrounding Edgbaston area to discover other Tolkien Trail sites nearby.
- Bring a camera to capture the folly’s distinctive architecture and panoramic views.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the tower is in a residential area with some walking involved.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take bus routes 45 or 61 from Birmingham city centre towards Edgbaston; the journey typically takes 20–30 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules for evening services. The stop near Waterworks Road is a short walk from the folly.
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Train and Walk
Arrive at Birmingham New Street station, then take a taxi or local bus to Edgbaston. From the nearest bus stop, expect a 10-minute walk on paved residential streets. The route is accessible but may involve slight inclines.
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Car
Driving from central Birmingham takes about 15 minutes depending on traffic. Limited street parking is available nearby, but spaces can be scarce during peak hours. Pay-and-display parking options exist within walking distance.
Perrott's Folly location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Perrott's Folly
Origins and Purpose of Perrott's Folly
Perrott's Folly was erected in 1758 by John Perrott, a landowner from Belbroughton, Worcestershire, in the heart of his hunting park in Edgbaston. The exact reasons behind its construction remain a subject of speculation. Some suggest it was built as a vantage point to survey his estate or to entertain guests in a fashionable setting. Other tales propose it was used to spot game for hunting or even to gaze towards his late wife's grave located some 24 kilometres away. Regardless, the tower was designed as a hexagonal brick structure rising 29 metres (approximately 96 feet), making it a prominent feature in the then open countryside.Architectural and Structural Significance
The tower’s architecture combines a square base with a hexagonal main shaft, a distinctive design for its time. It is constructed of brick with two separate skins that originally were not tied together, a fact that later contributed to structural challenges. Classified as a Grade II* listed building, Perrott's Folly is recognized for its historical and architectural importance. In the early 2000s, urgent restoration was required due to decaying oak beams and unstable brickwork. Extensive repairs, including grouting between brick layers and replacing structural supports, were completed by the Birmingham Conservation Trust with funding from English Heritage, securing the tower’s stability for at least another century.Connection to J.R.R. Tolkien and Cultural Heritage
Perrott's Folly holds a special place in literary history as it is widely believed to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien, who lived nearby in the early 20th century. Tolkien would have seen Perrott's Folly alongside the Victorian waterworks tower, and these two structures are thought to have influenced the iconic 'Two Towers' in his Middle-earth saga. This connection has made the folly a key stop on Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail, attracting fans interested in the author’s formative environment.Later Uses and Community Role
From 1884 until 1979, Perrott's Folly served as a weather station for the Birmingham and Midland Institute, later operated by the University of Birmingham’s Geography Department until their relocation. After falling into disrepair, a dedicated group, the Perrott's Folly Company, was formed in 1984 to restore and open the tower to the public. Although the company closed in 2009, the tower is now managed by the charity Trident Reach and the Re.Future Collective arts group, which uses it as a community venue for art exhibitions and social events. Despite ongoing preservation challenges and its status on the Buildings At Risk Register, the folly remains a cherished cultural landmark.Visitor Experience and Ongoing Preservation
Perrott's Folly is not regularly open to the public but hosts occasional tours and art projects, including exhibitions and community gardening sessions. The charity managing the site aims to raise funds to convert the tower into a vibrant space for contemporary art and social gatherings while preserving its heritage. Visitors can appreciate the folly’s unique silhouette against Birmingham’s urban landscape and reflect on its layered history—from 18th-century folly to modern cultural hub.Legacy and Future Prospects
The future of Perrott's Folly depends on continued conservation efforts and community engagement. Its survival is a testament to local dedication to preserving Birmingham’s architectural heritage and celebrating its literary connections. As restoration progresses, the folly promises to remain a symbol of historical intrigue, artistic inspiration, and cultural vitality in the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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An 18th-century tower in Birmingham, steeped in history and Tolkien lore, now a cultural beacon for art and community.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
