Column 410 Metres South East Of Lemmington Hall

1EDLINGHAM LEMMINGTON HALL NU 11 SW NU 12381096 9/131 Column 410 metres south-east of 31.12.69 Lemmington Hall GV II*

Monumental Column, erected in 1786 by Sir John Soane, for James Evelyn as a memorial to his parents. Originally at Felbridge Park (Surrey), re-sited 1928 by Sir Stephen Aitchison. Column ashlar, on platform of roughly-squared stone.

Low square platform incorporating a variety of C17/18 architectural fragments. Column has plain square plinth and moulded circular base encircled by self- swallowing serpent; smooth tapering shaft. Capital with scrolled necking carrying corniced square block. Cylindrical altar with curved fluting above bears eternal flame; overall height c.15 metres.

Various inscriptions; dedication on north side of shaft:

JACOBUS EVELYN Filius EDWARD EVELYN Et Juliae,Uxoris Ejus (O' Benignissimi Parentes,) Hanc Columnam, Hac Terra. (Natale Solum) Ponendam Plentissime Gratissimeque Curavit D MDCCLXXXVI Johannes Soane Architectus U.B.

Also 14 verses of Addison's 'Hymn to Gratitude', 'Manners Makyth Man' on drum and 'Soli Deo Gloria' on entablature.

One of Sir John Soane's early commissions, and his only work in Northumberland. It was transported north in 1927/8 by sea, rail and a specially-constructed light electric railway; lettering on shaft recut in 1941.

Margaret Hudson, 'Soane's Gratitude in Stone', Country Life, Aug. 31 1978, 592-3.

Listing NGR: NU1238810964