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Druids Temple

The Druids Temple at Ilton was created by William Danby in the early 1900s' to relieve some of the unemployment in the area - workers were only paid a shilling a day.  The build was very labour intensive and the final folly was designed to look something like Stonehenge. Swinton Estate, owners of the Temple and surrounding plantation, welcome considerate visitors.

The temple features an oval of altars, menhirs, dolmens and sarsens.  Several solitary standing stones line an avenue which leads to the temple.The folly is situated in the middle of a pine forest and the structures are still well preserved. 
 
There are fine views towards Leighton Reservoir and the area is very good for walking.
 
Landranger 99 Map Reference:  SE177787.

 

Photo: Druids Temple courtesy of Yorkshiresoul

 

Photo: Druids Temple Arial view