Britannia Monument And Enclosure Walls To North Of Shap Wells Hotel (At Ngr Ny 579 098)

The Britannia Monument, located north of the Shap Wells Hotel, is a commemorative structure celebrating Queen Victoria's accession. It was erected in 1842 by Mawson of Lowther, with sculptural work by Thomas Bland of Reagill. The monument is constructed of ashlar and features bas-relief panels and a statue, standing approximately 30 feet tall overall. It has two steps leading up to a plinth that is about 6 feet high and square in shape. The monument has a corniced, tapered octagonal shaft topped by a life-size figure of Britannia, who holds the remains of a metal trident in her right hand.

Each side of the plinth displays a bas-relief panel: the north panel features a wreath with the Lowther arms above; the south panel bears a Roman inscription that reads, "TO COMMEMORATE THE ACCESSION OF QUEEN VICTORIA TO THE THRONE OF THESE REALMS JUNE 20 1837"; the east panel depicts a seated invalid with the goddess Hygeia pouring medicinal waters for him; and the west panel shows a lion resting on its haunches with its paw on a globe. The enclosure wall surrounding the monument consists of a single chamfered course of ashlar and includes an entrance gap at the center of the south side, though the railings and gate have been removed.