Mad Jack Fuller.

The great Mad Jack built several Follies near his home in Brightling further east from Heathfield. I have lumped all his achievements together as he embraced the philosophy of Folly building like no other. Born John Fuller in 1757 he inherited a fortune at a young age and was able to indulge in his eccentricities until his death in 1834. He lived life to the full, drinking, gambling and speaking his mind. He was also generous and caring for the common man. Any beggars arriving at his door were given work building a great wall around his estate, something of an over looked Folly in itself.

The Sugar Loaf.

Going east through Dallington and stop just after the turning to Brightling. The conical building is in a field accessed by an unkempt track. Someone needs to get the strimmer out more regularly. Not a great folly but eccentric and with a provenance. During a dinner party Jack bet all his guests the Dallington church spire could be seen from his window. In the morning he found he could not so he had one built. Imagine the astonishment of his guests when they arrived to collect on their bets.                   

The Observatory.

Not really a Folly but built by the great man. See it from the road on Brightling Hill.

Obelisk.

Now nicely restored now but even as recently as 1985 many short sighted people on the Council did not want to 'waste' money on it. It is 40 feet high and was once used as a beacon in the Napoleonic wars. In Jack Fuller's time Obelisks were the in thing.

The Pyramid. 

See the great man's mausoleum in Brightling Churchyard. Pyramids throughout history have been associated with magical powers. It is said that Jack was buried here seated upright in a chair holding a bottle of claret surrounded by broken glass. If the devil arrived he would cut his hooves.

The Watchtower.

Set in a thicket up on a hill it has just been sold along with 60 acres. From here Jack could watch the restoration of Bodiam Castle which he saved from demolition at his own expense. You can still climb up spiral iron stairs inside. Also known as the Hermit's Tower Jack advertised for a hermit to live there for a year during which time he would not be permitted to talk to anyone cut their hair , nails or wash and shave. After this they would have been made a gentleman for life. He had no  applicants. Today he would probably have to shortlist.

The world needs more men like Mad Jack Fuller.         <<Back.