Beckford's Tower

Beckford’s Tower was designed by Henry Edmund Goodridge in 1825 and completed in 1827 for William Beckford (1760-1844), one of the nation’s most accomplished and interesting characters (that you've probably never heard of!)

Apparently Beckford, at the age of ten inherited a fortune consisting of £1 million in cash and several sugar plantations in Jamaica from his father William Beckford, who had been twice a Lord Mayor of the City of London. According to various accounts, Beckford knew how to spend money, since at his death he left only £80,000 of his capital!

Among his notable talents, he was a novelist, a profligate and consummately knowledgeable art collector, a patron of the decorative arts, a critic, a travel writer and sometime politician - Member of Parliament for Wells AND reputed to be the richest commoner in England. Oh and not forgetting also, he was briefly trained in music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!!!

The 120-foot neo-classical Tower, which enjoys splendid views across the countryside, was constructed as a study retreat and to house Beckford’s precious collection of art and rare books. This view is of the spiral staircase, which leads up the tower to the belvedere at the top of the tower.

Just in case you missed it, here's yesterday's makeover. Thanks for looking.

Camera:	Nikon D700 Check out Nikon Nation!
Lens:	18-35
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Title:	Beckford's Tower
Username:	DiegoDesigns
Uploaded:	20 Jan 2010 - 11:00 AM
Tags:	Architecture, Black & white, Landscape / travel
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