Old John is the highest hill in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, on the southern edge of Charnwood Forest. It gives its name to the folly that stands at its top. The hill stands at 696 foot (212 m) high, and is a prominent landmark across Leicester and Leicestershire.

The earliest recorded use of the name is on a map of 1754, which records a windmill on the site, some 30 years before the tower was built. The tower itself began life as a ruined folly, built in 1784, during the time of George Grey, 5th Earl of Stamford. He got Thomas Sketchley of Anstey to build him the mock ruin, which had strong similarities to Mow Cop, Staffordshire. It was adapted in the mid-19th century by the seventh Earl to serve as an observation tower for the practice circuit he laid out for his horses, along with the building of a stable block lower down the hill.

Tom

January 30, 2019

Old john is the name of this folly, which stands proud at the highest point in the park. Can be seen for miles around.

Chris✶

December 30, 2020

A very iconic feature of Bradgate Park that sits at the highest point of the park with really good views of the surrounding area and you can see Leicester city centre on a good day

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Elevation 200 m

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Friday 10 October

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Location: Newtown Linford, Charnwood, Leicestershire, East Midlands, England, United Kingdom

Old John Tower, Bradgate Park

1. Bradgate Country Park loop from Newtown Linford

2. Old John Tower, Bradgate Park – Swithland Wood loop from Newtown Linford

3. Swithland Wood – Bradgate House Ruins loop from Nanpantan

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