The (Peat) Memorial Obelisk

The Peat Memorial Obelisk is a Grade II listed memorial located in Portland Square, Workington. Erected in 1881, this slender obelisk is made of polished Dalbeattie granite and rises from a tapered pedestal on a stepped base, reaching a total height of 23 feet, with the obelisk shaft itself measuring 13 feet. It is enclosed within a shallow railed area.

At the base of the monument, there is an inscription that reads: "ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION IN MEMORY OF ANTHONY PEAT, SURGEON, WHO, DURING A LIFE SPENT INCESSANT TOIL FOR THE RELIEF OF HUMAN SUFFERING, WON THE LOVE AND ESTEEM OF ALL CLASSES. DIED JUNE 4TH 1877 AGED 57 YEARS." Below this inscription is a quotation in Latin from St Matthew's Gospel, which translates to: "EVEN SO LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN."

This prominent public monument is situated at the center of a formally-planned urban square and commemorates Dr. Anthony Peat, a notable 19th-century physician who was highly regarded by the community he served for over 30 years. The obelisk forms a group with Nos. 16 and 18 Portland Square and No. 2 Cavendish Street.