Massey's Folly
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Massey's Folly, a grade II listed building,[1] was built by Thomas Hacket Massey who served as rector in Farringdon village in Hampshire for 62 years.[2] The folly took thirty years to build as it was entirely built by Massey along with a single bricklayer.[2] Further delays were due to Massey occasionally demolishing completed parts of the structure and making further additions.[2] It has seventeen bedrooms and two towers. Its purpose is unknown, but from 1925 it was used as a primary school (closed 1987) and a village hall (closed 2015).[3] Massey, who died in 1919, is buried just outside the church porch.[4]
In 2006 the folly received National Lottery Heritage Funding[5] and featured on the BBC's Restoration programme.[6]
In 2015 Massey's Folly was sold for development as residential units,[3] although final development was delayed,[7] with revised applications for planning permission continuing in 2024.[8]
