Sway Tower

Visible from the path around Setley Pond is "Sway Tower", also known as "Peterson's Folly", near the village of Sway (the photo on the left was taken from the pond using a telephoto lens, click on it for a larger image). At 66 metres (200 ft), it is possibly the tallest folly in the world. It is a Grade II listed building.

Built by Judge Andrew Thomas Turton Peterson on his private estate from 1879-1885, its design was influenced by the follies Peterson had seen during his time in India. It is constructed entirely out of Portland cement, supported by iron joists. At the time it was built, it was the tallest concrete structure in the world.

It was originally designed as a mausoleum, with a perpetual light at the top. However this was not allowed, as it was thought the light would confuse shipping. The tower is visible from much of the New Forest, and most of the western Solent. A smaller 50-foot (15 m) folly, built as a 'prototype', stands in a group of trees to the north of the taller tower.