Shakespeare Monument In The Great Dell Of The Botanical Gardens

The Shakespeare Monument in the Great Dell of the Botanical Gardens is a Grade II listed structure, designed by C.E. Davis and completed in 1864. This monument takes the form of a Roman altar and is made from Bath limestone. It features a square plinth set on a stepped circular base. The top is segmental with scrolled sides, adorned with paterae at the ends. Above this, a cyma moulded acanthus cornice sits over an egg-and-dart frieze. Each side of the monument displays elaborate stone laurel leaf festoons, which are suspended from square stone buckles at the corners beneath the frieze. The upper part of the base has a similar reversed cornice to that at the top and a roll moulded base.

An inscription on the front commemorates the three hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, stating, "The City of Bath celebrated the three hundredth anniversary of the birth of SHAKESPEARE April XXIII MDCCCLXIV Jeromah Bell Esq. Mayor." On the west side, there is a quotation that reads, "Tongues speak. This was a man. Take him for all in all We shall not look on his like again."

This monument, notable for its classical design, was erected to honor the tercentenary of Shakespeare's birth and was one of Charles Davis's first commissions after becoming City Surveyor in 1863. Victoria Park, where the monument is located, was established in 1830 on the former Barton Fields, an area of common land, and was opened by the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, Princess Victoria, on October 23rd, 1830. It was the first municipal park in the country.