Keppels Column

SK39SE ROTHERHAM ADMIRALS CREST (north side), 4/5 Thorpe Common Keppels Column - II* Monument. 1773-80. By John Carr for Charles Wentworth, 2nd Marquis of Rockingham who repeatedly altered the original scheme. Ashlar sandstone plinth, base and abacus; dressed wallstone shaft. Massive Tuscan column approximately 35 metres in height. Doorway in east side of plinth now concreted up. 5 round-headed windows set in vertical line on 3 sides of shaft, 6 windows on side opposite door; lower- most windows walled-up. Pronounced entasis realigned towards top. Large rectangular viewing platform with damaged iron balustrade. Originally intended as a landscape feature composed of pedestal surmounted by obelisk the design was eventually changed to a tall column. The intended height was not achieved which accounts for the modification of entasis. Commemorates the honourable acquittal of Admiral Keppel following his court-martial after failing to engage the French off Brest in 1778. Important landscape feature of the original Wentworth Estate, notable local landmark. R. B. Wragg, 'Four Monuments at Wentworth', Trans. Ancient Monuments Society, vol 23, 1978.

Listing NGR: SK3894194731