May 25, 2025
Sham Castle - City of Bath - England
Sham Castle is a folly on Claverton Down overlooking the city of Bath, Somerset, England. It is a Grade II* listed building. It is a screen wall with a central pointed arch flanked by two 3-storey circular turrets, which extend sideways to a 2-storey square tower at each end of the wall. These "Sham" castles were built by wealthy landowners to provide a topical viewpoint and to enhance the landscape.
It was probably designed around 1755 by Sanderson Miller and built in 1762 by Richard James, master mason for Ralph Allen, "to improve the prospect" from Allen's town house in Bath.
Sham Castle is now illuminated at night.
