The Obelisk

The Obelisk is a Grade I listed column built in 1795 for Sir Richard Hill, located in Hawkstone Park, Weston-under-Redcastle. It is constructed of red sandstone ashlar, with grey sandstone ashlar at the top. The tall circular column stands on a stepped plinth with a moulded capping at the top, which supports a square ledge that was formerly railed. The column features four round windows on its sides, a moulded capping, and the remains of a statue at the top. There is a square-headed doorway on the west side of the plinth and narrow rectangular slit openings in the column.

Inside, there is a spiral staircase with 149 steps. The Obelisk was erected to commemorate Sir Rowland Hill, the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London. Originally, it was topped with a statue of the mayor, sculpted by John Nelson of Shrewsbury, which was destroyed during a storm in the late 1930s. It also once had a plaque with a long inscription, likely located in a rectangular recess on the south side of the plinth. The Obelisk has been illuminated on several occasions, including when news of Nelson's victory on the Nile was received. It offers extensive views over Hawkstone Park and the surrounding area.