Prince Of Orange Monument

The Prince of Orange Monument is an obelisk located at The Quay in Lower Brixham, erected in 1823, with a paving-stone that is reputedly from 1688 or earlier. The monument is made of granite and features the two bottom steps of its plinth constructed from pink Devonian limestone, while the paving-stone is made of local black and white marble. The obelisk stands on a tapered moulded pedestal, which is supported by a plinth of three steps.

On the south-east face of the pedestal, there is a paving-stone with a worn inscription that reads: "ON THIS STONE AND NEAR THIS SPOT WILLIAM PRINCE OF ORANGE FIRST SET FOOT ON HIS LANDING IN ENGLAND FIFTH NOVEMBER 1688." The north-west face features a plaque made of local grey and pink polished marble, inscribed in gilt letters: "THIS PLAQUE WAS UNVEILED BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ON THE 21ST JULY 1988 TO COMMEMORATE THE TERCENTENARY OF THE LANDING OF PRINCE WILLIAM OF ORANGE AT BRIXHAM."

At the top of the obelisk is an iron spike, which likely once held a finial or a lamp. The paving-stone was reused for the landing of the Duke of Clarence (later William IV) in 1823, with half of it incorporated into this obelisk and the other half inscribed to commemorate the Duke's visit, which was placed on the New Pier, where a copy remains visible. A fragment of the stone was also preserved in a box made of heart of oak that was 800 years old and presented to the Duke. Originally, the obelisk was located in the Fish Market on the east side of The Quay, near King William's Steps (which have since been demolished). It was moved to the New Pier in 1849 and returned to The Quay in 1988.