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SHAM CASTLE

Bath, Somerset

Sham Castle, Bath, Somerset

An excellent example of the kind of folly known as an "eyecatcher", this Sham Castle stands high above the east of the City of Bath...today in the grounds of Bath Golf Club.

It was constructed by Ralph Allen - one of Bath's premier inhabitants - around 1762.  Plans were made for a folly on this point by Sanderson Miller (that great architect of follies), but this sham Castle was constructed to the plans of Richard Jones instead.  It was designed to be viewed from Allen's house in Bath; although these days so much building has gone on in between it is hard to make out the folly from the City Centre.

A better definition of an 'eyecatcher' folly could not be found.  From one side it has the vague appearance of a Castle...but it is a flat, 2 dimensional screen; the rear is almost totally blank!

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2019

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