Beckford's Tower Overview

This spectacular landmark was built in the 1820s as a study retreat for William Beckford (1760–1844): writer, eccentric and one of the great British collectors.

It houses a unique collection of objects, paintings and furniture, commissioned and owned by William Beckford, through which visitors can explore his remarkable life.

The 120-foot neo-classical tower, designed by Henry Edmund Goodridge, offers spectacular panoramic views of Bath and the surrounding countryside.

Art Funded works

The Hanging Cabinet, made for William Beckford and probably designed by Beckford and the architect Henry Edmund Goodridge, is a superb example of the furniture Beckford commissioned during the final years of his life while living in Bath and the methods he used to display his impressive collection within Landsdown Tower, Bath.

A Silver gilt mounted lapis lazuli cup and cover with the Beckford crest by John Harris were acquired for the museum in 1990 with an Art Fund grant of £15,000 towards the total of £143,000. 

Visitor information

The Bath Preservation Trust’s dedicated learning website has details of workshops, events and online resources at the Tower for 2011.