Sampson’s Memorial Tower, Farlow Wood, Farlow Road, Farlow, Limavady, Co Londonderry BT49 9DR

The Sampson’s Memorial Tower is a neo-Tudor style tower built around 1860, situated within Farlow Wood near Limavady, County Londonderry. It stands in relatively flat, undulating land and is now partially obscured by trees. The tower has group value, recognised for its architectural, historical, and setting significance.

A plaque above the entrance states that the tower was erected by public subscription to commemorate Arthur Sampson Esq., who served for nearly forty years as a Justice of the Peace and agent for the Fishmongers’ Company. The tower is a tall, square structure with battered walls at its base, rising to a crenellated top which slightly overhangs the main walls. A chevron moulding in sandstone provides some decorative detail. Attached to the tower is a circular stairway with stone spiral steps, providing access to a flat timber roof covered in felt, from which views extend across the surrounding countryside to Lough Foyle and Inishowen and the slopes of Benevenagh. The tower is approximately 18 metres high. The walls are constructed from local whinstone, with corners finished in Dungiven sandstone. Narrow windows are set within the walls of both the tower and the stairwell, the latter featuring the chevron moulding at its top. The stairwell’s upper end may have originally had a conical shape. A narrow, chamfered doorway with shouldered trim provides access to the interior, above which is an inscribed plaque and coat of arms.

The tower stands on a slight ridge within a long strip of ground named Farlow Wood, which is planted with interesting trees, including evergreen oaks. Approaching the tower from the Farlow Road, there is a small, derelict cottage built of red handmade bricks with pronounced, heavily chamfered sandstone quoins. Small windows with sandstone surrounds, similar to those on the tower doorway and principal windows, are situated within each gable under the bargeboards. This cottage likely served as shelter for a guardian of the tower. Arthur Sampson was the son of A Sampson, who authored the Statistical Account of County Londonderry, previously served as agent for the Fishmonger’s Company, and was rector of Aghanloo Church of Ireland.