Needle's Eye

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
Needle's Eye in 2012
Type	Folly
Location	Wentworth
Coordinates	53°29′05″N 1°24′16″W
OS grid reference	SK 39622 98821
Area	South Yorkshire
Built	Mid-late 18th century
Architect	John Carr
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official name	Needle's Eye
Designated	29 March 1968
Reference no.	1314588
Location of Needle's Eye in South Yorkshire

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.

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". John Carr designed Needle's Eye 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

• Grade II* listed buildings in South Yorkshire
• Listed buildings in Wentworth, South Yorkshire