Obelisk To The Rear Of Queen Victoria House

The obelisk located to the rear of Queen Victoria House was erected around 1817. It is made of limestone and features a bronze inscription tablet. The structure has a tall shaft with a pyramidal top and a moulded base, standing on a square plinth. Each face of the obelisk has fielded panels, and high relief wreaths adorn the sides. The front panel bears an inscription that reads: "This Obelisk was erected by JACOB WILCOX RICKETTS to perpetuate the Memory of HER ROYAL HIGHNESS The much lamented and beloved PRINCESS CHARLOTTE of WALES and SAXE COBURG; Daughter of HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT, and Consort to his Serene Highness PRINCE LEOPOLD. This most illustrious Princess, the brightness of whose Character surpasses all transcript, was BORN Jany. 6th 1796. Was MARRIED May 2nd 1816. AND DIED Novr. 6th 1817. Thus were the Vine and Branch of true Whiggism and Britannia's most blooming expectation, by one irresistible stroke, together cut off." This obelisk serves as an unusual public memorial to a royal tragedy and carries interesting political significance.