The Obelisk is a Grade I listed building in the North Yorkshire local planning authority area, England. First listed on 25 January 1954. A 1714 Obelisk, monument.

The Obelisk

WRENN ID
cold-panel-spindle
Grade
I
Local Planning Authority
North Yorkshire
Constituency
Thirsk and Malton MP: Kevin Hollinrake (Con)
Country
England
Date first listed
25 January 1954
Type
Obelisk, monument
Address
The Obelisk, the Stray, Henderskelfe
OS grid reference
SE 709 699
Coordinates
54.12054, -0.91549
Source
Historic England listing

Also on this page: flood risk · radon risk · weather exposure · detailed attributes ↓

Description

The Obelisk is a Grade I listed structure located in Henderskelfe, built in 1714 by Sir John Vanbrugh. It is made of ashlar and has a square plan. The obelisk features a massive square base with a pulvinated cornice and stands approximately 80 feet in height.

On the east side, there is an inscription that reads: "VIRTUTIS ET FORTUNAE JOHANNIS MARLBURIAE DUCIS PATRIAE ET EUROPAEQUE DEFENSORIS HOC SAXUM ADMIRATIONI AC FAME SACRUM CAROLUS COMES CARLIOL POSUIT ANNO DOMINI MDCCXIV." The inscription on the west side is now illegible but has been recorded in a guidebook.

This structure is noted for its historical significance and is included in the Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England.

Local climate

The Obelisk receives an average of 790 mm of rain a year. This makes it drier than 59% of listed buildings in the UK. Its exposure to wind-driven rain is lower than that of 85% of listed buildings.

It experiences an average of 46 freeze-thaw cycles a year, more than 87% of listed buildings. Of these, 25 follow at least 1 mm of rain in the preceding 48 hours. Average temperatures at this location have risen by 0.3°C per decade since 1991.

Averages for 1991–2020; temperature trend 1991–2025. Figures describe the wider area (a grid cell of roughly 10 km), not the individual site. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information 2026.

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