Charles II Monument At Source Of The River Lyvennet (At Ngr 604 108)

The Charles II Monument at the source of the river Lyvennet was erected around 1851 by Thomas Bland of Reagill to commemorate the event in 1651 when Charles II drank from the river while traveling south from Scotland. The monument was renewed in 1861 at the expense of Mr. Gibson. It is made of rough-dressed stone blocks and has a square plan. The structure features two steps leading up to a base, which is adorned with decorative bas-reliefs and an inscription on a cubic block, topped by a squat obelisk. The inscription reads: "HERE, AT BLACK DUB/THE SOURCE OF THE LYVENNET/CHARLES II/REGALED HIS ARMY ON THEIR MARCH/FROM SCOTLAND/AUGUST 8TH, A.D. 1651". The three bas-reliefs depict a profile bust of Charles II, a crown (which Charles wished to possess), and a lion (which thwarted his hopes at the battle of Worcester).