The Obelisk Approximately 80 Metres West Of Church Of St Mary

The Obelisk, located approximately 80 metres west of the Church of St Mary, is an obelisk built around 1805 for Elizabeth Aislabie. Constructed from ashlar, it features a base and corniced pedestal that stands about 3 metres high, with the obelisk itself reaching approximately 15 metres in height. The structure is set diagonally and serves as the focal point of the long drive and view towards Ripon Cathedral, predating the construction of St Mary's church. Elizabeth Aislabie was the wife of Charles Allanson of Bramham and the daughter of William Aislabie, who passed away in 1781 and continued his father's work at Studley Royal. This obelisk replaced a stepped pyramid of the same height that William Aislabie had erected in 1742 in memory of his father, John Aislabie. The site is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.