Wychbury Obelisk

Wychbury Obelisk, also called the Hagley Obelisk, is a tall stone landmark on Wychbury Hill in Hagley, Worcestershire, within Bromsgrove District. It stands close to the summit, roughly 150 metres from the West Midlands border, and can be seen from miles around. Public footpaths lead right up to it.

Who built the obelisk, and when?

Sir Richard Lyttelton, later Lord Lyttelton, commissioned it as part of the designed landscape around Hagley Hall. In July 1764 he ordered an obelisk of about 70 feet (around 21 m) on the hilltop, so that it would form a striking view from the house windows. By September 1770 he wrote that it was finished. Other sources give different construction dates, so the exact year is debated. The structure is recorded in the Historic England listing.

For much of the 20th century it decayed, and a restoration took place in 2011.

Why does the graffiti mention Bella?

The obelisk is tied to an unsolved mystery from 1943. Human remains were found inside a wych elm in nearby Hagley Wood, and the victim was never identified. Local lore gave her the name Bella. The question "Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?" has appeared as graffiti around the area, the obelisk included. It is a curiosity for fans of local mysteries, not an official part of the monument.

What else is on the hill?

Wychbury Hill belongs to the Clent Hills. The summit also holds the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, Wychbury Ring, now largely covered by trees. From around the obelisk you get views over the surrounding hills and the Black Country towns. Several walks cross the hill: a popular loop starts at Pedmore Lane on the southern edge of Stourbridge, and longer routes, such as Hagley to Barnt Green, include a detour to the top. The North Worcestershire Way also passes nearby.

How do you get there?

Start in Hagley or at Pedmore Lane and follow the footpaths uphill. The climb is moderate, so wear sturdy shoes; field paths get muddy after rain. The obelisk sits in open countryside with no tickets or opening hours. Coordinates are about 52.4327 N, 2.1176 W.

When should you go?

Spring to autumn on a clear day is best, with good visibility and drier paths. Morning or late afternoon light suits photos. Winter walks are possible but can be slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for Wychbury Obelisk? No. It stands beside public footpaths and can be viewed free at any time.

Can I go inside the obelisk? No. It is a freestanding column with no visitor interior, so you view it from outside.

Who commissioned it and when? Sir Richard Lyttelton ordered it in 1764 and reported it finished in 1770. Some sources suggest earlier dates.

What does the Bella graffiti refer to? It refers to an unsolved 1943 case in which an unknown woman's remains were found in a tree in Hagley Wood. The graffiti is not an official feature of the monument.