Needle's Eye is a Grade II* listed building in Wentworth, Rotherham, England. 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 fits its alleged purpose of creation.
Needle's Eye is one of several follies in and around Wentworth Woodhouse park; the others include Hoober Stand and Keppel's Column. It is thought to have been built in the mid-late 18th century by John Carr, a renowned architect of the period.
The folly is situated in a clearing in Lee Wood, on the ridge overlooking the old stately home of Wentworth Woodhouse. It is a popular spot for walkers and tourists, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Needle's Eye is a mysterious and intriguing structure. There are many stories and legends surrounding its origins, but its true purpose has never been fully explained. Some believe it was built as a folly, a decorative building with no practical purpose. Others believe it was built as a gatehouse, marking the entrance to a private estate. And still others believe it was built as a monument, to commemorate a lost loved one.
Whatever its purpose, Needle's Eye is a fascinating and evocative building. It is a reminder of a time when the wealthy and powerful could build whatever they desired, without regard for cost or practicality. And it is a reminder of the power of mystery and imagination.
Here are some additional facts about Needle's Eye:
- The building is 14 metres tall and 10 metres wide.
- The archway is 3 metres high and 2 metres wide.
- The sandstone used to build the folly was quarried locally.
- The funerary urn on top of the folly is made of marble.
- Needle's Eye is open to the public and can be visited free of charge.
If you are ever in the Rotherham area, I encourage you to visit Needle's Eye. It is a unique and interesting building that is sure to leave you wondering about its origins.
Bullet hole mystery
The bullet holes on Needle's Eye are a mystery. There are several theories about how they got there, but no one knows for sure.
One theory is that the bullet holes were made during the English Civil War. The war was fought between the Royalists, who supported King Charles I, and the Parliamentarians, who wanted to limit the power of the monarchy. The Wentworth Woodhouse estate was owned by a Royalist family, and it is possible that the Needle's Eye was damaged during the fighting.
Another theory is that the bullet holes were made by poachers. Poachers are people who illegally hunt or trap animals. The Wentworth Woodhouse estate is home to a variety of game animals, and it is possible that poachers used the Needle's Eye as a target practice.
A third theory is that the bullet holes were made by vandals. Vandals are people who damage or destroy property for no reason. The Needle's Eye is a popular tourist destination, and it is possible that some visitors have shot at the building for fun.
Whatever the cause, the bullet holes on Needle's Eye are a reminder of the building's turbulent past. They are also a reminder that even the most beautiful and peaceful places can be touched by violence.
In addition to the above theories, there is also a local legend that the bullet holes were made by a group of highwaymen who used the Needle's Eye as a hideout. The highwaymen would wait for unsuspecting travelers to pass by, and then they would rob them at gunpoint. One day, a group of soldiers came to the Needle's Eye in search of the highwaymen. A shootout ensued, and several of the soldiers were killed. The bullet holes in the Needle's Eye are said to be the marks left by the soldiers' bullets.
The truth about the bullet holes on Needle's Eye may never be known. But one thing is for sure: they are a fascinating part of the building's history.
One things for sure, I was on my own as the night was drawing in and saw the bullet holes, all at head height, looked like some sort of execution.
Drone Video of Needles Eye near Rotherham
Here are some photos that I took of the Needles Eye
Location of Needles Eye
Here is a Google map, so you can zoom out and move around. There is a pull-in on Coaley-lane, on the opposite side of the road and then a public footpath past a farm to get the the Needles eye.
More places to visit
Here are more cool places like this to visit