Luttrell's Tower
Luttrell's Tower is a three-storey stuccoed yellow brick folly south of Southampton, Hampshire, England, near the village of Calshot. It has a six-storey circular stair turret extending above the rest. It stands on the shore of the Solent, close to the grounds of Eaglehurst House. It is owned by the Landmark Trust.
History
The tower was built circa 1780 for Temple Simon Luttrell[1] by Thomas Sandby, who was a founder member and first Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy.[2] Temple Luttrell was a Member of Parliament who was allegedly involved in smuggling on the south coast (though no firm evidence of this exists).[2] The tower's lookout, extending above the height of the main building, would have afforded a commanding view of the activities of the customs men in the area, both out to sea and inland.[2] A tunnel running from an entrance just above the beach straight into the cellar of the tower would have made transferring contraband from the Isle of Wight a low risk operation. Once the goods were on the mainland, the proximity of Southampton would have made distribution expeditious. Originally a number of marquees were permanently erected at the base of the tower, where those involved in the activities would shelter, but later Eaglehurst House was constructed. Documentation in the tower suggests there may have been tunnels from the base of the tower into the cellars of Eaglehurst House; if so they are now blocked up.
Marconi used the tower for his wireless experiments of 1912.[2] He rented Eaglehurst House and the tower between 1911 and 1916, and used the top of the tower for his transmissions.[3] His youngest daughter, Gioia, was christened at Fawley Church in 1916.[4]
Modern use
The tower became a Grade: II* Listed building on 8 October 1959.[1] Since 1968 it has been owned by the Landmark Trust, a charity that rescues and restores historical buildings. It is now let as a holiday home.[2]
References
External links
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- Marconi at Luttrell's Tower
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