The Folly Tower holds a special place of affection in the hearts of all native Pontypudlians. The tower was built c.1765 by John Hanbury Esq. of Park House, Pontypool. It served no practical purpose in that it had no floor or roof originally. It is said that it was fashionable at the time for landed gentlemen to build to 1,000 ft high, and the tower was built on the highest part of the ridge in order to achieve this. It was however 2ft short when completed! It commands views of both the rugged and beautiful parts of Gwent and it is said that no fewer than seven counties are visible from the tower on a clear day.