Obelisk

The obelisk, erected in 1738, is a Grade II* listed structure designed by John Wood the Elder for Beau Nash. Made of limestone ashlar, it features a slender, tapered square shaft measuring approximately 1.8 meters at the base and around 18 meters tall, without any decorative embellishments. The original inscription, written by Alexander Pope, has been recut and reads: "IN MEMORY/OF HONOURS CONFERR'D/AND IN GRATITUDE/FOR BENEFITS BESTOWED/IN THIS CITY/BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS/FREDERICK/PRINCE OF WALES/AND HIS/ROYAL CONSORT/IN THE YEAR MDCCXXXVIII/THIS OBELISK IS ERECTED/BY RICHARD NASH ESQ."

The obelisk is centrally located in Queen Square and was intended by Wood to serve as the centerpiece of a formal garden layout, with gravel paths arranged in a Union Jack pattern. It stands on substantial foundations that are 3 meters deep and originally rose from a basin of water, which is now dry. The obelisk originally had a pointed top at about 18 meters high, but it was damaged in a gale in 1815 and has since been recut to a flatter profile at approximately 15 meters. Although there were plans for carved lions and unicorns, these were never executed. The original dark marble inscription tablet was later replaced with a brass one.

This notable example of axial Neo-Roman grandeur plays a significant role in defining the space of the square. The construction cost exceeded £80, which included £3.15.0 for the model. The dedication to the Prince of Wales reflects a high level of approval for Wood's work in Bath and marks an early use of Bath stone for monumental purposes.