Alfred's Tower — Attraction in Brewham

King Alfred’s Tower, also known as Alfred’s Tower, is a striking 49-meter (160-foot) tall triangular folly located on Kingsettle Hill near Brewham, Somerset, England. It forms part of the Stourhead Estate, managed by the National Trust, and is designated as a Grade I listed building due to its historical and architectural significance.

🏰 Historical Significance

Commissioned by Henry Hoare II: A prominent banker and owner of the Stourhead Estate, Hoare conceived the tower in the 1760s to commemorate the end of the Seven Years' War and the accession of King George III.

Architectural Design: Designed by Henry Flitcroft, a noted Palladian architect, construction began in 1769 and was completed in 1772 at an estimated cost between £5,000 and £6,000.

Commemoration of King Alfred the Great: The tower stands near the site of the legendary Egbert's Stone, where it's believed that Alfred the Great rallied the Anglo-Saxons in 878 AD before the pivotal Battle of Edington against Danish invaders.

🧱 Architectural Features

Triangular Structure: The tower has a unique triangular design with rounded projections at each corner.

Hollow Center: The interior is hollow, and a spiral staircase with 205 steps in one corner leads to a viewing platform at the top.

Statue and Inscription: Above the entrance on the south-east face is a statue of King Alfred and a stone panel bearing a dedication inscription.

🛠️ Restoration and Preservation

World War II Damage: In 1944, the tower's top was damaged when a Noorduyn Norseman aircraft crashed into it during foggy conditions, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members.

Restoration Efforts: The tower was restored in 1986, which included using a Wessex helicopter to place masonry atop the structure and restoring the statue of King Alfred.

🌳 Visiting Today

Scenic Views: Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset.

Walking Trails: The tower marks the start of the Leland Trail, a 28-mile footpath leading to Ham Hill Country Park.

Access: The site is accessible via woodland walks from the Stourhead gardens or...

A great place for recreation on an interesting historical site. King Alfred’s Tower on Kingsettle Hill was built in 1772 to commemorate the end of the Seven Years War. It’s Grade 1 listed and owned now by the National Trust. It’s sited on the spot where in 878 the King of Wessex, Alfred, rallied his Anglo-Saxon forces in preparation for the Battle of Edington against Danish Vikings. In 1944 the tower was struck by a plane, killing the five American crew members. The woodland surrounding the tower has excellent footpaths for walking or mountain biking. Much of the woodland is owned by the Stourhead Estate but access is unrestricted right up to the main Stourhead gardens. Parking is ample in the main car park, just a brief stroll to the tower across open field. On this visit a well sited quaint caravan was there selling refreshments. Other smaller parking areas can be found at the start of footpaths taking the walker straight into the woodland, away from any ‘crowd’. There’s open grass land around and in front of the tower offering a good picnic spot or a place for the family to relax in the summer. I like it here. It has some decent woodland walking and a place to ride my MTB not too...

King Alfred’s Tower is an absolute marvel! This striking 49-meter triangular folly, built in the 18th century to commemorate King Alfred’s victory and the end of the Seven Years’ War, offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty . The climb up the spiral staircase (all 205 steps!) is well worth it for the panoramic views stretching across Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire—truly a photographer’s paradise .

The surrounding woodlands are equally enchanting, with well-marked trails ideal for leisurely walks or adventurous hikes. We spotted deer and vibrant wildflowers during our stroll, and the peaceful atmosphere made it a serene escape . While the tower’s interior isn’t always open, the friendly National Trust volunteers shared fascinating stories about its history, including its WWII plane crash and meticulous restoration .

Don’t miss the charming coffee van near the car park for a quick snack . Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just seeking a unique day out, this iconic landmark delivers an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!

Pair your visit with a walk to Stourhead Gardens or the nearby Convent cottage for a full day of...