Needle's Eye

For the sewing tool, see eye of a needle.
Needle's Eye

Needle's Eye is a 14-metre (46 ft) pyramid folly which is situated in Wentworth, South Yorkshire in northern England.

History

It was constructed in the 18th century and believed to have been made in order to win a wager, where the second Marquis of Rockingham claimed he was able to "drive a coach and horses through an eye of a needle". John Carr designed Needle's Eye[1] alongside Wentworth Woodhouse and other follies in the area.

Musket holes seen on one side of the Needle's Eye

Musket holes can be seen on the sides of the structure, most of which are approximately head height; this suggests execution by firing squad has taken place at the building.[2]

Location

Needle's Eye is situated between two disused horse and carriage paths. It is relatively close to the Hoober Stand, another folly in Wentworth. The area is open to public.

Structure

It is a pyramid made of sandstone topped with a funerary urn, encompassing an archway of approximately 3-metre (9.8 ft). The wideness of the archway is roughly enough for a coach and horses to pass through, which suits its alleged purpose of creation.

References

  1. ↑ "Needle's Eye Listing Record". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  2. ↑ "Britain's Best Architectural Follies". The Telegraph. Retrieved 4 April 2015.

Coordinates: 53°29′05″N 1°24′16″W / 53.48465°N 1.40441°W


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