Needle's_Eye

Needle's Eye

Needle's Eye

18th century pyramid in Wentworth, South Yorkshire, northern England

For the sewing tool, see Sewing needle. For the metaphor, see Eye of a needle. For the novel by Margaret Drabble, see The Needle's Eye (novel).

Needle's Eye is a 14-metre (46 ft) pyramid Grade II* listed building which is situated in Wentworth, South Yorkshire in northern England. Needle's Eye is one of several follies in and around Wentworth Woodhouse park; the others include Hoober Stand and Keppel's Column.

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History

It was constructed approximately in the mid-late 18th century and believed to have been made in order to win a wager, where the second Marquess of Rockingham claimed he was able to "drive a coach and horses through an eye of a needle".[1] John Carr designed Needle's Eye[2] alongside some other follies in the area.

Pockmark holes seen on one side of the Needle's Eye

One side of the structure is heavily pockmarked. It is alleged execution by firing squad may have taken place at the building since they resemble Musket balls; however this is unsubstantiated.

Location

Needle's Eye is situated between two disused horse and carriage paths. The area is open to public.

Structure

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.

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "Monuments & Follies". Wentworth Estate. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  2. [2]
    "Needle's Eye Listing Record". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 2 April 2015.

53°29′05″N 1°24′16″W
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