Nelsons Monument

Nelson's Monument, located on Monument Road in Great Yarmouth, was built between 1817 and 1819 by architect William Wilkins. It is the first monument in England dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson, predating Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, which was completed between 1840 and 1843.

The monument features a fluted Greek Doric column that stands on a square pedestal, which is elevated on a raised plinth. The pedestal includes one recessed niche on each side and a frieze adorned with laurel wreaths. Each face of the cornice has a plaque inscribed with the names of naval engagements. An inscription acknowledges Wilkins as the architect, along with other key figures: John Walker, the master mason; Francis Braidwood, the contractor; and Archibald Swinton, the foreman.

The stone plinth has various recesses and projections. At the top of the column is a figure of Britannia made of fibreglass, standing on a disc supported by Caryatid figures. Originally, these figures were crafted from Coade stone, replaced with concrete in 1896, and finally restored in fibreglass during the restoration work from 1982 to 1984.