Peek inside Old John, the famous tankard-shaped folly at the heart of Bradgate Park

Old John, the folly that stands on a hilltop at the centre of Bradgate Park, is a truly iconic image of Leicestershire.

But while thousands of us flock to the green space every year, only a handful of people get to take a look inside the famous building built in 1787 by the fifth Earl of Stamford in memory of a family servant who died tragically.

His name was John, and he liked the odd drink – that’s why the folly resembles an ale tankard.

Only occasional tours are allowed inside the tower for a lucky few to take a peek inside.

But luckily, in 2015, photographer Alex Hannam was among them - and these photos from our archive show what the interior of Old John looks like, with Minton tiles and white plaster.

And the top's ramparts give people an even better view of the parkland and Leicestershire laying out beyond its boundaries.