Wellington Monument

The Wellington Monument is a Grade II* listed structure located in Wellington Without, built as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington. Construction began in 1817-1818, based on a design by Thomas Lee, and was completed as an obelisk by H. E. Goodridge after the Duke's death in 1852. In 1890, the monument was restored and raised by an additional 1.5 meters. It is made of local stone and features a triangular splayed base with end pilasters. The base has a coved dentil cornice, a tall unmarked doorway leading to a stairway, and an Egyptian winged panel above. The entrance is adorned with a good studded iron door and a lattice work ventilation grill above it. The obelisk has a steeply pointed top and circular windows. Although the interior has not been seen, it is said to contain a flight of 365 steps that leads to a viewing platform at the top, which stands at a height of 53.34 meters. The original design included a column topped with a cast iron statue of the Duke, accompanied by sculptured figures of veterans from England, Ireland, and Scotland on the plinth, with cannons captured at Waterloo intended to surround the monument; however, this plan was abandoned due to costs.