The Ivy Tower
The Ivy Tower Ivy Tower, originally known as The Belvedere and sometimes locally referred to as “The Ivy House,” is an 18th-century folly located on high ground above the village of Tonna in Neath Port Talbot. It overlooks the Neath Valley and forms a prominent landmark within the surrounding landscape. The structure was built around 1780 by the Mackworth family of the nearby Gnoll Estate, serving as an ornamental “eye-catcher” and summer house. It was designed to enhance the landscape and provide a scenic destination for walks and social gatherings, reflecting the landscaped estate traditions of the period. Architecturally, the building is a two-storey castellated tower constructed from rubble stone. The lower stage is octagonal in form, with buttresses and segmental-headed openings, while the upper stage is circular, featuring windows with two-centred heads and decorative recesses. These elements give the structure a stylised, medieval appearance typical of follies designed to evoke earlier fortifications. The tower was designed by John Johnson, who was associated with Sir Herbert Mackworth and contributed to developments at the Gnoll Estate. Its construction reflects both aesthetic ambition and the social status of its owners. In 1910, the structure was severely damaged by fire and has remained a ruin since that time. Despite this, much of the external form survives, including sections of the walls and architectural detailing, along with internal features such as a fireplace. The site is now designated as a Grade II listed building, recognised for its architectural and historical significance as a Georgian folly. Although sometimes confused with prehistoric or defensive sites due to its castellated appearance and elevated position, Ivy Tower is not a hillfort or ancient fortification. It is a relatively modern structure built to imitate the form of a castle rather than to serve a defensive function. The surrounding area contains additional historic features, including a separate 18th-century house sometimes referred to as “The Ivy House,” which has contributed to confusion in naming. Today, the ruin remains a visible landmark above Tonna and serves as a waypoint for walkers. Its position continues to offer wide views across the valley, maintaining the visual impact intended by its original designers. Ivy Tower stands as an example of an 18th-century landscape folly, illustrating how later periods reinterpreted the visual language of fortification for aesthetic and social purposes. Alternate names: The Belvedere Ivy House
The Ivy Tower
Ivy Tower, originally known as The Belvedere and sometimes locally referred to as “The Ivy House,” is an 18th-century folly located on high ground above the village of Tonna in Neath Port Talbot. It overlooks the Neath Valley and forms a prominent landmark within the surrounding landscape. The structure was built around 1780 by the Mackworth family of the nearby Gnoll Estate, serving as an ornamental “eye-catcher” and summer house. It was designed to enhance the landscape and provide a scenic destination for walks and social gatherings, reflecting the landscaped estate traditions of the period. Architecturally, the building is a two-storey castellated tower constructed from rubble stone. The lower stage is octagonal in form, with buttresses and segmental-headed openings, while the upper stage is circular, featuring windows with two-centred heads and decorative recesses. These elements give the structure a stylised, medieval appearance typical of follies designed to evoke earlier fortifications. The tower was designed by John Johnson, who was associated with Sir Herbert Mackworth and contributed to developments at the Gnoll Estate. Its construction reflects both aesthetic ambition and the social status of its owners. In 1910, the structure was severely damaged by fire and has remained a ruin since that time. Despite this, much of the external form survives, including sections of the walls and architectural detailing, along with internal features such as a fireplace. The site is now designated as a Grade II listed building, recognised for its architectural and historical significance as a Georgian folly. Although sometimes confused with prehistoric or defensive sites due to its castellated appearance and elevated position, Ivy Tower is not a hillfort or ancient fortification. It is a relatively modern structure built to imitate the form of a castle rather than to serve a defensive function. The surrounding area contains additional historic features, including a separate 18th-century house sometimes referred to as “The Ivy House,” which has contributed to confusion in naming. Today, the ruin remains a visible landmark above Tonna and serves as a waypoint for walkers. Its position continues to offer wide views across the valley, maintaining the visual impact intended by its original designers. Ivy Tower stands as an example of an 18th-century landscape folly, illustrating how later periods reinterpreted the visual language of fortification for aesthetic and social purposes. Alternate names: The Belvedere Ivy House
Condition Rating 3