The
Follies of Boughton Park
The
Follies of Boughton Park, seven extravagant structures
built to serve as a conversation piece, lend interest to
a view or commemorate a person or event are a must see
for any visitor. These structures have been standing for
more than 150 years and are the largest collection of
Follies in Northamptonshire, enriching the tranquil
valley of Boughton Park with their eccentricity. Four of
these structures can be easily accessed by road but
parking places are non existent. Ultimately, all seven
are best viewed by walking the scenic Right of Way
footpaths around Boughton Park. Mostly built by William
Wentworth, 2nd Earl of Strafford (1722 - 91) during his
time at Boughton Hall, this local heritage , once almost
forgotten, is now of national importance.
Northampton County Council, in their ill judged wisdom,
has put forth planning proposals for a North-Western
orbital bypass to the town that will ultimately destroy
the landscape of Boughton Park and the surrounding
Follies. The integrity and cohesion of this historic
'garden' landscape will be disected and fragmented if
this bypass is allowed to go ahead, seperating the
Spectacle, Holly Lodge, the Grotto, Bunkers Hill Farm and
New Park Barn from Boughton Hall, the Hawking Tower, the
Obelisk and the remains of the 13th century church, St
John the Baptist. Destroying Boughton Park should not be
an option. It will be a FOLLY by another meaning if our
historic wealth is wiped out by financial ignorance.