Wellington Monument, Somerset

Wellington Monument is a three-sided obelisk on the Blackdown Hills near the town of Wellington in Somerset, in south-west England. It stands 175 feet (53.34 m) tall and is regarded as the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. It is a Grade II* listed structure and is cared for by the National Trust. The monument commemorates Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington.

Who is the monument for?

It honours Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, the British military commander and statesman who took his title from the town of Wellington. The idea of a memorial first emerged in 1815. Construction began in 1817 following a design competition, and Thomas Lee Jnr was chosen as the architect.

What was the original plan?

The original scheme was far more ambitious than what stands on the hill today. It called for a column topped by a cast-iron statue of the Duke, reaching around 140 feet. Money ran out within months, and the pillar was left standing at only about 45 feet. Sources disagree about when the monument was finally completed, so the exact date is hard to pin down. What is clear is that the structure was finished and altered during the 19th century, and the version visitors see now differs from the first concept.

What damaged it?

Lightning struck the obelisk in the mid-1840s and again in the early 1850s, causing serious structural damage. A local architect, Charles Giles, prepared a repair scheme that departed from the original design. A tall, isolated structure on a hilltop is especially exposed to strikes, which helps explain why the monument has needed so many repairs.

Who looks after it?

The National Trust, the British charity protecting heritage and landscapes, has looked after the monument since 1934. It was closed to the public in 2007 for safety reasons. After repairs costing about £3.1 million, it reopened in August 2021.

Why visit?

• Record: it is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world.
• Setting: it crowns the Blackdown Hills, visible from far around, with good walking in the surrounding countryside.
• History: it shows how grand early 19th-century plans collided with shortages of money and the forces of nature.
• Heritage: Grade II* listing marks it as a building of more than special interest nationally.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Wellington Monument? It is 175 feet, or 53.34 m.

Is it really the tallest of its kind? Yes, it is described as the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world.

Where is it? On the Blackdown Hills near the town of Wellington in Somerset, United Kingdom, at roughly 50.948 N, 3.2293 W.

When did construction start? In 1817, although the idea dates back to 1815.

Can I visit? After closing in 2007 and a major restoration, it reopened in August 2021. Check the National Trust website for current access arrangements before you go.

Who owns it? The National Trust has looked after it since 1934.