The Obelisk

The Obelisk in Stourton is a Grade I listed monument in the grounds of Stourhead, Wiltshire. It stands at the western edge of the estate, which the National Trust has looked after since 1946, and forms part of the landscape garden that was laid out from the 1740s.

What is the Obelisk at Stourhead?

The structure you see today dates from 1839–40 and was built for Henry Hugh Hoare to replace an earlier obelisk of 1746. Its shaft is Bath stone set on a green limestone base, and a metal sun disc crowns the top. Historic England credits the earlier version to a builder named Privet. Other sources give differing dates and materials for that first obelisk, so treat details of the original as uncertain.

What will you see?

The Obelisk closes a turfed terrace walk and lines up with the centre of the house's west front. On the side facing the mansion is a plaque salvaged from the older monument. Richard Colt Hoare fixed it there in 1815 in memory of his grandfather Henry Hoare, who created the gardens. It is a landmark to admire from outside as you stroll, not a building with an interior.

How does it fit into a Stourhead visit?

Plan it as part of a walk around the whole estate. The gardens, developed between 1741 and 1780 by Henry Hoare II, take in a lake and classical temples, and the house is open to visitors close by. The Obelisk suits the stretch of the walk near the mansion, especially if you enjoy garden design and the way sightlines were composed. Entry to Stourhead is ticketed through the National Trust, with free access for members; check current prices and opening hours on the Trust's site before you travel.

When should you go?

Spring to autumn shows the garden at its best, with leaf colour reflected in the lake. Autumn brings the richest tones. Early morning and late afternoon are generally calmer than midday.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is The Obelisk? In the Stourhead gardens, in the parish of Stourton with Gasper, Wiltshire, in south-west England.

What protection does it have? Historic England listed it at Grade I, the highest category, in 1966.

Is it the original 18th-century obelisk? No. The present monument was erected in 1839–40 in place of an obelisk from 1746. A plaque from the earlier one survives on it.

Do I need a ticket? It lies within the National Trust estate, so a Stourhead admission ticket applies unless you are a Trust member.