Monuments in the United Kingdom

Carshalton War Memorial

Londyn

Carshalton War Memorial is a First World War memorial in Carshalton, in the London Borough of Sutton. A Portland stone cenotaph, it stands beside the Carshalton Ponds and is one of the most photographed spots in this part of south London. What is the memorial? The cenotaph measures roughly 4 m high, 2.5 m wide and 1 m deep. Its design is credited to the architect E. H. Bouchier FRIBA. It was unveiled in 1921, and names from the Second World War were added afterwards, so it now commemorates the fallen of both conflicts. Historic England listed it on 23 February 2010 (list entry 1393681) at Grade II. Where exactly is it? You will find it on Honeywood Walk, close to the ponds and All Saints church. The garden around it was laid out on two levels around 1951. The cenotaph sits at the northern end and juts out toward the upper pond, so the water forms its backdrop. The Imperial War Museums keep a separate entry for it in their War Memorials Register. How do I get there? Carshalton is in south London, within the Borough of Sutton. The memorial is in the centre of the village by the ponds, which makes it an easy stop on a short walk around the area. All Saints church is nearby and holds its own First World War items, including a framed roll of honour listing 213 men. When should I visit? There is no entry fee and no opening hours. Choose a bright day, when the pond reflects the stone. Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday closest to 11 November, is the most moving time to be here, when wreaths are laid across the UK. Is it the same as the Sutton war memorial? No. Sutton has another separately listed memorial in Manor Park, designed by J. S. W. Burmester. The Carshalton one is on Honeywood Walk, by the water. Frequently asked questions Who designed Carshalton War Memorial? It is credited to E. H. Bouchier FRIBA. What is it made of? Portland stone, in the form of a cenotaph about 4 m tall. Is it a listed monument? Yes. Historic England gave it Grade II status in 2010. Do I need a ticket? No. It stands in the open by the ponds and can be visited at any time.

Linton-in-Craven War Memorial

Linton-in-Craven War Memorial is a stone cross in the village of Linton, in the Yorkshire Dales of North Yorkshire, England. It stands at the entrance to the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels, in the heart of the village and a short distance from Grassington. It suits walkers and drivers exploring Wharfedale who want a quiet stop with a story behind it. What will you see? The memorial is a freestanding Latin cross. Its shaft and arms are octagonal, and the whole thing rests on a square plinth above a base of three steps. Stone walls enclose it on three sides and metal railings close off the fourth, so it reads as a small, contained space of remembrance beside the churchyard wall. The panels carry the names of villagers killed or missing in the two world wars. Records count 33 from 1914–1918 and 12 from 1939–1945, a heavy toll for a village this size. Many of the men can be traced online through local roll-of-honour projects that record their regiments and dates of death. What is its history? The cross was unveiled on 14 May 1921, not long after the First World War ended. Names from the Second World War were added later. In December 2019 Historic England gave the memorial Grade II listed status (list entry 1466724). Older Imperial War Museum records still describe it as unlisted, so the 2019 designation is the current position. Inside the church, at the east end of the south wall, an oak stand with a glass top holds a Book of Remembrance for both wars, arranged by the day each man died. If the church is open, it is worth seeing alongside the cross. How do you get there? The memorial is on Thorpe Fell View in Linton (postcode BD23). Grassington is a few minutes away by car, and Skipton is roughly half an hour's drive. The village is reached by local roads, so a car or bike is the easiest option. Footpaths across Wharfedale also lead to Linton from Grassington if you prefer to walk. When should you visit? The memorial is outdoors and can be visited all year. Spring and summer are the most pleasant, with a green valley and good walking weather. On Remembrance Sunday, around 11 November, villagers usually gather at the cross for a service. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands by the churchyard and is free to visit at any time. How long does a visit take? The cross itself needs 10 to 15 minutes. Adding the church and a stroll through the village takes about an hour. Is the memorial protected? Yes. It has been Grade II listed by Historic England since 2 December 2019. How many people does it commemorate? Records give 33 names from the First World War and 12 from the Second.

Ashey Down Sea Mark

Havenstreet

Ashey Down Sea Mark is a historic navigation landmark on the summit of Ashey Down, in the parish of Havenstreet and Ashey on the Isle of Wight, England. This white stone pyramid stands on high ground south of Ryde and has served as a guide for ships in the Solent for close to three centuries. What is the Ashey Down Sea Mark? It is a pyramid with a triangular plan, built in 1735 by the Trinity Board, the body responsible for marking England's coasts for shipping. The structure sits at the top of a down that rises about 424 feet (roughly 129 m) above sea level. Sailors could pick it out from far offshore, and today it makes a satisfying goal for a short countryside walk. What was it used for? The pyramid helped vessels find their way into St Helen's Road, the anchorage off the island's coast near Spithead. This stretch of water lies close to the approaches to Portsmouth, so naval and merchant traffic was heavy for centuries. A watercolour by John Nixon from around 1806 shows the mark beside an Admiralty signal station. During the Napoleonic period, stations like this across the island passed word of fleet movements to Portsmouth. The down was therefore a lookout point as well as a daymark. Is it protected? Yes. Historic England lists Ashey Down Sea Mark on the National Heritage List for England under entry number 1005193 as a scheduled monument. Scheduling means the structure may not be altered or damaged. What else is there to see on the hill? The down offers more than the pyramid. Prehistoric burial mounds survive on the hill, and the open ground gives broad views across the eastern Isle of Wight and towards the Solent. At the foot of the slope stand the Ryde waterworks buildings, dating from 1855. Together they make the area a good stop for a walk with some island history thrown in. How do I get to Ashey Down? The sea mark lies about a mile from the village of Havenstreet and a few miles south of Ryde, the main town of the island's east. Its coordinates are 50.6849 N, 1.18805 W. The easiest approach is to drive to the Ashey area and cover the last stretch on foot across the down. From Ryde it takes a short drive along local roads. When should I visit? Choose a clear day, when visibility lets you make out the Solent and the surrounding countryside. The hilltop is exposed, so bring a warm layer when it is windy. There is no ticket to buy, and most visitors spend between half an hour and an hour looking at the pyramid and walking the surroundings. Frequently asked questions When was Ashey Down Sea Mark built? In 1735. The Trinity Board commissioned it as part of its work marking the English coast for shipping. Why was it built? To guide ships into St Helen's Road near Spithead. A tall, pale pyramid on a hilltop was easy to see from the water. Is there an entry fee? No. The mark stands on open downland and can be viewed freely. As a protected monument it should not be climbed or damaged. Is there anything else nearby? Yes. Prehistoric burial mounds remain on Ashey Down, and the village of Havenstreet is home to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

The Sailor's Stone

Waverley

The Sailor's Stone is a small carved memorial beside the old Portsmouth Road near Hindhead, in the Waverley district of Surrey. It marks the spot where an unidentified sailor was killed in September 1786. The stone sits on National Trust heathland, close to the great hollow of the Devil's Punch Bowl. What happened here? The man was walking from London to Portsmouth to rejoin his ship. At the Red Lion pub in Thursley he bought drinks for three other seamen and set off over the hills with them. Out on the lonely heath they killed him and took his clothes. The trio were caught while trying to sell them, convicted, and hanged in chains at the murder site in April 1787. The victim's name has never been established. What is the monument like? Historic England dates the stone to 1787. It carries a verse inscription describing the crime. It was first known as the Murderers' Stone, and the name later shifted to honour the victim instead. In 1826 the road trustees moved it to a new roadside position, but a local outcry brought it back to its original place. It was restored in 1889 and is a listed structure today. Why stop here? Charles Dickens used the stone in Nicholas Nickleby, when Nicholas and Smike pass it on their way to Portsmouth. Nearby on Gibbet Hill stands a stone Celtic cross erected in 1851, and the surrounding heights give broad views across Surrey towards the South Downs. It is an easy add-on to a walk around the Punch Bowl. How do you get to the Sailor's Stone? Start at the National Trust visitor centre at the Devil's Punch Bowl in Hindhead. A short waymarked loop, the Sailors' Stroll, leads to the stone beside the old road at the edge of the heath. Paths are a mix of woodland and open ground, so wear sturdy footwear. The nearest mainline station is Haslemere, with taxis and local buses running on towards Hindhead. Access to the common is free; only parking is charged. When is the best time to visit? Late spring and summer offer dry paths and long days. Autumn brings rich colour, though tracks can turn muddy. On a misty day the heath feels bleak in a way that suits the story. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee for the Sailor's Stone? No. The stone stands beside a public road on open land. Only the National Trust car park charges, unless you are a member. Do we know who the murdered sailor was? No. He remains an unknown traveller. Some names have been suggested, but none is confirmed. How long should I allow? The stone itself takes a few minutes. With the short loop and the views from Gibbet Hill, plan on roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Is it suitable for families? Yes, provided children can manage uneven paths. The walk is short and the heath offers plenty of room to roam.

Elveden War Memorial

West Suffolk

Elveden War Memorial is a towering First World War column in West Suffolk, eastern England. Topped with a stone urn and rising more than 30 metres, it is visible from a long way off and counts among the most striking war memorials in the county. What is this memorial? The column was designed by Clyde Francis Young and unveiled on 21 November 1921 by Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson. The Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich dedicated it. It commemorates the dead of three parishes: Eriswell, Icklingham and Elveden. The shaft is built of Weldon stone and the urn on top of Portland stone. The monument is tied to the Guinness family, owners of the neighbouring Elveden Estate and Elveden Hall, seat of the Earls of Iveagh. Local accounts say Lord Iveagh wanted it to outdo the Earl of Leicester's column at Holkham Hall, yet stay shorter than Nelson's Column. Why is it listed? Historic England listed the memorial in 1954 at Grade II*, a high category, and amended the entry in 2016. Its historic, architectural and sculptural qualities, along with the design, underpin the status. Names from the Second World War were added later, among them Viscount Elveden, killed in action near Nijmegen. Where is it and how do you get there? The column stands on the north side of the A11 at Weather Heath, where the boundaries of the three parishes meet. A car is the easiest way to reach it. Park safely, as the road is busy, and remember this is a place of remembrance rather than a visitor attraction with facilities. What else is nearby? The surrounding land once formed part of the Guinness estate. The village of Elveden and its estate lie close by, with the pine forests of the Breckland beyond. The memorial fits neatly into a short outing through this corner of Suffolk. When should you visit? It is open to view all year. Daylight gives the best photographs. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission fee? No. The memorial stands in the open by the road and is free to see. Can you climb the column? No, it is a monument to view from outside. Who designed it? Clyde Francis Young. It was unveiled in 1921. How tall is it? More than 30 metres, making it one of the tallest war memorials in Suffolk. What protection does it have? Grade II* on Historic England's National Heritage List.

Fen Drayton War Memorial

South Cambridgeshire

Fen Drayton War Memorial honours the men of Fen Drayton, a village in South Cambridgeshire, England, who died in the two World Wars. The limestone obelisk dates from around 1920 and stands where Horse and Gate Street meets Church Street, in the heart of the village. It has been a Grade II listed structure since 1984 (National Heritage List for England, entry 1127240). What will you see at the memorial? The design is plain and restrained, in the manner of many English village memorials. A square base rises in four steps and carries a square plinth. A slender obelisk, tapering towards the top, crowns the whole. The stone is limestone, and the inscriptions are cut into the sides of the plinth. The south face carries a dedication to those who fell in the Great War, 1914 to 1918, and records that local residents raised the memorial. A verse from scripture on the theme of remembrance sits beneath it. The west face has a separate dedication to the Second World War, 1939 to 1945. Who is commemorated? The roll is short, which reflects the size of the village. Five names belong to the First World War: Ernest Carter, Walter Lambert, Thomas Moody, Ernest Wilfred Skinner and William Ewart Skinner. Two belong to the Second World War: George Finlay and Matthew Scott. Biographies of several of the men have been gathered by the roll-of-honour.com project. How do you find it? The memorial stands on a public road at a visible junction, so no detour along side paths is needed. Visiting is free, with no ticket or booking. The coordinates are roughly 52.2951 N, 0.0354 W. The village lies north-west of Cambridge, close to the route between Cambridge and Huntingdon. How long should you allow? A look at the monument takes a few minutes. It fits naturally into a short stroll around the village and a visit to the nearby church on Church Street. Read the inscriptions on both faces of the plinth and compare them with the short list of names. Frequently asked questions Is Fen Drayton War Memorial a protected monument? Yes. It is a Grade II listed structure, entry number 1127240 on the National Heritage List for England, with a listing date given as 25 September 1984. When was the memorial built? Around 1920, shortly after the First World War. The Second World War dedication was added later. How many names are on it? Seven: five from 1914 to 1918 and two from 1939 to 1945. Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands in the open in the village and can be seen at any time.

Captain Cook Monument

Easby

Captain Cook Monument stands on Easby Moor above the village of Easby, close to Great Ayton in North Yorkshire. This stone obelisk, raised in 1827 to honour James Cook, sits 324 m above sea level inside the North York Moors National Park and makes a rewarding short hike. What is the monument on Easby Moor? Cook grew up in this district, which is why local people chose these hills to remember him. The obelisk is built of rough-faced sandstone and rises roughly 15 to 18 m, with a polished granite plaque dated 1827 on its west face. Robert Campion, a banker from Whitby, paid for it. According to the Captain Cook Society, a public appeal for donations drew no response, so he covered the whole bill himself. It has been Grade II listed since 1966. The structure has needed repairs over the years. In 1895 it was repointed, the cap was mended, and a plaque and fencing were added. In 1960 lightning split it almost down the middle; it was repaired within three months and fitted with a lightning conductor. How do you get there? The shortest approach starts at the Gribdale Gate car park. From Great Ayton, follow Dikes Lane and the Gribdale Terrace road, then cross a cattle grid. There is a picnic area at the car park. From here it is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way, around an hour on foot. The path climbs through woodland, then opens onto moorland where the obelisk appears on the skyline. Longer options: Loop from Great Ayton (about 7.5 miles, roughly 4 hours), starting at the tourist information centre, which has a small car park. Route from Newton-under-Roseberry (about 6 miles, roughly 3 hours), passing Gribdale Gate and following the Cleveland Way. The descent from the monument is steep. Combined walk with Roseberry Topping, the conical hill nearby, often done in a single outing with the obelisk. The Cleveland Way National Trail crosses the moor, so the monument fits naturally into a longer trek. Two listed boundary stones line the path up. What can you see from the top? The hill overlooks Easby, Great Ayton and Little Ayton. On a clear day you can pick out the Cleveland Hills, the flat ground around Teesside and neighbouring Roseberry Topping. The summit is exposed, so expect wind even when the valley is calm. When should you visit? The walk works all year, but crisp spring and autumn days give the clearest views. In late summer the heather turns the moor purple. Gribdale Gate can fill up, so arrive early at weekends. Bring waterproof footwear and a windproof layer, and expect mud after rain. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The obelisk stands on open moorland in a national park and can be visited free of charge. You cannot go inside it. How long is the walk? About an hour each way from Gribdale Gate. Loops from Great Ayton or Newton-under-Roseberry take three to four hours. Is it suitable for families? The short route from Gribdale Gate is described as suitable for families with younger children. Parts of the descent are steep, so keep an eye on little ones. Is this the same monument as the ones in Whitby or Marton? No. Cook is commemorated in many places. This obelisk is on Easby Moor near Great Ayton, where he spent part of his boyhood.

The Obelisk

Stourton

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.

Wetherby War Memorial

Leeds

Wetherby War Memorial honours the town's dead of the First World War and stands beside the River Wharfe in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, within the City of Leeds district. It sits at the north end of the old stone bridge and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the town centre. What will you see at the memorial? A bronze figure of Victory rises from a Portland stone plinth, with two seated bronze lions at its base. Plaques on the plinth carry the names of local people killed between 1914 and 1918. Further plaques were added on either side after the Second World War, so the monument now commemorates both conflicts. The sculptor was Louis Frederick Roslyn, and heritage records date the work to around 1920. It was unveiled in April 1922. The cost was met by public subscription, a drive that a committee set up by the parish council had already started in 1917. Is it a listed monument? Yes. The memorial forms part of a Grade II entry from Historic England that covers Wetherby Bridge together with the attached war memorial. The bridge itself is also a scheduled monument, so one short stop gives you two protected structures. How do you get there? The memorial is right in the centre of Wetherby, by the bridge over the Wharfe and a few minutes' walk from Market Place. The town lies on the former Great North Road, roughly 12 miles north-east of Leeds city centre, and east of Harrogate. Buses run to Wetherby from both, and there are car parks near the market square and the river. The walk from the stops is short and flat. When is the best time to visit? The monument stands in the open, so you can see it at any hour, free of charge. Mornings on a clear day give the best light for photographing the bronze. The atmosphere is strongest around Remembrance Sunday in November, when ceremonies take place here and poppy wreaths are laid. What else is nearby? Once you have seen the memorial, follow the riverside path along the Wharfe, then head into Market Place for the market and cafes. Wetherby grew as a coaching stop on the road between London and Edinburgh, and the riverside weir is a pleasant place to sit and watch the water. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial is in a public space and open around the clock. Who designed it? Louis Frederick Roslyn, a British sculptor responsible for many war memorials. Does it commemorate only the First World War? It was built for those who died in 1914-1918, but added plaques also name casualties of the Second World War. How long should I plan for? Ten to fifteen minutes at the memorial itself, or about half an hour with a stroll across the bridge and along the river.

Pool-in-Wharfedale War Memorial

Leeds

Pool-in-Wharfedale War Memorial sits in the heart of the village of Pool-in-Wharfedale, in the Leeds district of West Yorkshire, England. A modest stone cenotaph unveiled in 1923, it has been a Grade II listed structure since 2019. What does it look like? The memorial is a slim, tapering obelisk rising from a five-step base, roughly 3 metres tall, inside a small circular enclosure. The upper plaque carries 19 names of local men lost in the First World War; the lower plaque lists 9 from the Second World War. One further name relates to the Iraq War. Who built it, and when? In June 1920 Emily Annie Swallow of Troutbeck gave the parish council a small plot beside the St Wilfrid's churchyard. About 150 villagers raised the money, and the work cost just over £323. Mrs Swallow herself unveiled the memorial on 4 August 1923, which makes it a good example of a community-funded tribute. Why is it listed? Historic England added it to the National Heritage List on 10 May 2019 (list entry 1463211), part of a drive to protect war memorials around the centenary of the 1918 Armistice. It is one of several listed structures in the village, alongside a church, a former toll house, a bridge and milestones. How do you get there? Look for the junction of Main Street and Church Lane, next to St Wilfrid's Church. Pool lies on the A658 between Leeds and Harrogate, close to Otley and a short drive from Leeds city centre. Buses serve the village, and the memorial is a few minutes from the road. Access is free and open at all times. When is the best time to visit? Around 11 November, when poppy wreaths are laid and the village holds its Remembrance Sunday service. At any other time the site is quiet and easy to visit. It pairs naturally with a stroll through the village, a look at the church and a walk by the River Wharfe. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands in a public space and can be visited all year. How many names are recorded? Nineteen from the First World War and nine from the Second World War, plus one linked to Iraq. When was it unveiled? On 4 August 1923. Is it a protected monument? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 10 May 2019. How long should I allow? Ten to fifteen minutes, longer if you combine it with a village walk.

Memorial to victims of Bramhope Tunnel Disaster

Leeds

The Memorial to the Victims of the Bramhope Tunnel Disaster sits in the churchyard in Otley, West Yorkshire, a short trip north of Leeds. It is a stone scale model of the tunnel's north portal, put up for the railway workers who died building the tunnel between 1845 and 1849. The monument is Grade II listed (Historic England entry 1135240) and is also known locally as the Navvies' Monument. What does the memorial commemorate? The Bramhope Tunnel runs about two miles and lies roughly 290 feet below the surface at its deepest point. It was dug for the Leeds and Thirsk railway, with Thomas Grainger as engineer and James Bray as contractor. Work in the deep shafts was brutal and dangerous, and many of the labourers, the "navvies", lived with their families in rough huts beside the site. The memorial recreates the castellated Gothic-style portal at a reduced scale. It stands around 6 feet tall and is carved in stone, with inscriptions naming the dead. Sources disagree on the count: the monument itself is described as listing 23 or 24 victims, while later research by a local museum suggests at least 39 people died. Where exactly is it? You will find it in the grounds of All Saints, Otley's parish church, on Kirkgate, in a small section of churchyard on the north side of Church Lane. The coordinates are about 53.9045 N, 1.6948 W. The listing treats it as part of a group with the church itself. How do you get there? From Leeds city centre, buses to Otley take about an hour, and driving along the A660 takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. From Market Place in Otley, it is a few minutes on foot. It is free to visit, as the memorial stands in open ground by the church. Has it been restored? Yes. Otley Town Council took ownership in 2017 to look after it, and restoration was completed in 2019 with money from several funders, including the Heritage Lottery Fund. What else is nearby? All Saints church is among the oldest in Wharfedale, and Otley's market square and lanes are worth a wander. Rail fans can also visit the real north portal at Bramhope, a few miles to the east, which is listed too. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial is in a public churchyard and can be seen at any time. How long should I allow? Fifteen to twenty minutes is enough. Allow more if you combine it with the church and a walk around Otley. Does it show the real tunnel? Yes. It is a faithful miniature of the north portal of the Bramhope Tunnel on the Leeds–Thirsk line. How many workers died? The monument names 23 or 24 men, though newer research points to at least 39 deaths.

Statue of the Duke of Wellington on South East Corner of Woodhouse Moor

Leeds

The Statue of the Duke of Wellington on Woodhouse Moor is a bronze monument in the south-east corner of the large public park north of central Leeds, West Yorkshire. The figure stands on a polished granite pedestal and has been listed Grade II on the National Heritage List for England since 1976. Who is it, and who made it? The statue commemorates Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, the victor of Waterloo, who died in 1852. The sculptor was Carlo Marochetti, an Italian-born artist who worked in France and Britain. The heritage listing dates the work to 1854 and its erection to 1858. One source says Leeds residents raised about £1,500 to pay for it. Why is it on Woodhouse Moor and not by the Town Hall? When it was unveiled in 1858, the statue stood outside the newly finished Town Hall in the city centre. In 1937 the council moved it to Woodhouse Moor, together with the statues of Queen Victoria and Sir Robert Peel, to clear space for a municipal car park. All three now stand in the park. The listing, last amended in 1996, covers Wellington's position in this corner of the moor. What will you see? It is a textbook piece of Victorian civic sculpture: dark bronze set against pale, polished granite. Walk around the pedestal to take in its proportions and inscriptions. The park itself is a wide, open green with paths, popular with walkers, runners and weekend events. The other two relocated monuments are nearby, so a short stroll lets you see the whole group that once graced central Leeds. How do you get there, and is it free? The statue is in a public park with no fence and no ticket. You can visit at any hour. Woodhouse Moor lies in the Hyde Park district, about 1.5 km north of the city centre and close to the University of Leeds campus. From the centre you can walk, or take a local bus towards Headingley or Hyde Park. The coordinates are 53.8082 N, 1.5598 W. Do not confuse it with London's Hyde Park Corner, which has a different Wellington monument. When should you go? Late spring to early autumn is best, when the grass is green and daylight brings out the texture of the bronze. A visit takes 10 to 15 minutes, longer if you combine it with a walk through the park. Frequently asked questions Is the Leeds Wellington statue a listed monument? Yes. It is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England, with an entry dated 5 August 1976. Has it always stood on Woodhouse Moor? No. It stood outside the Town Hall from 1858 and was moved to the park in 1937. Do I need a ticket? No. The statue stands in an open public park. Is it the same statue as the one at Hyde Park Corner in London? No. The London monument is a separate work. Leeds has its own Hyde Park district, where Woodhouse Moor is located.

Harrogate War Memorial

Harrogate

Harrogate War Memorial in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is a tall stone obelisk on Prospect Square, right in the middle of the spa town. Locals often call it the Harrogate Cenotaph, although strictly speaking it is a war memorial rather than a cenotaph. It honours those killed in both world wars and is one of the town's best-known landmarks. Who designed it and when was it unveiled? The architect was Ernest Prestwich; the plaque on site credits the firm Prestwich & Sons. The sculpture is by Gilbert Ledward. The foundation stone was laid in June 1922 by Edward Wood, then an MP and later Lord Halifax. The memorial was unveiled on 1 September 1923 by the Earl of Harewood before a crowd of about 10,000, making it one of the last major outdoor memorials in England to open after the First World War. What can you see there? The core of the monument is an obelisk on a plinth, both in Portland stone, with wreaths carved near the top on each side. Ledward's two bas-relief panels are titled "1914, the Call to Arms" and "1918, Britannia with the Flag of Victory". Two bronze plaques carry 1,163 names of Harrogate people who died in the two wars, including several women. A separate plaque for Victoria Cross recipients sits at the base and is catalogued on War Memorials Online. For the centenary, volunteers traced the life stories behind every name; more than 300 of the men have no known grave. How do you get there? Prospect Square is in central Harrogate, a short walk from the main shopping streets and about 210 metres from Victoria Gardens. The railway station is also within easy walking distance. The memorial stands on an open square, so it can be visited free at any hour. When is the best time to visit? Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday of November, is the most moving day: official ceremonies are held at the obelisk and poppy wreaths are laid. At other times 15 to 20 minutes is enough, ideally in daylight so the reliefs show clearly. It combines easily with a stroll through the nearby gardens. Frequently asked questions Is Harrogate War Memorial a cenotaph? No. Despite the local nickname "Harrogate Cenotaph", it is a war memorial with an obelisk and name plaques. Who designed it? Ernest Prestwich designed it, and Gilbert Ledward made the relief sculpture. It was unveiled in 1923. How many names are on it? There are 1,163 names from both world wars on two bronze plaques. Does it cost anything to visit? No. It stands on a public square and is accessible around the clock.

Park Street Gate And Attached Walls And Piers And Railings

Brighton

Park Street Gate in Brighton is a listed Victorian gateway built in 1890 where South Avenue meets Park Street, at the edge of Queen's Park. Its Grade II listing covers more than the arch itself: the low walls, piers and cast-iron railings attached to it are included too, which explains the registry-style name. What exactly is it? The structure marks the entrance to Queen's Park from Park Street, in the east of Brighton, East Sussex. It was designed by Francis J. May, the Borough Engineer and Surveyor, and is built of artificial stone. The central opening is styled like a triumphal arch, and the words "Queen's Park" are carried on the gate. Low walls topped with cast-iron railings run out to piers at the corners with Park Hill and Freshfield Place. The whole ensemble was listed in August 1999. Why stop here? The gate dates from the same year the park land was bought by the Race Stand Trustees and given to the town. There is no ticketed attraction or exhibition: this is an architecture stop on a walk. The park's earlier story is worth knowing. Thomas Attree acquired the land in the 1820s and commissioned Charles Barry to design a villa, finished in 1830. The villa was demolished in the 1970s, but a garden temple (Grade II) and the Pepperpot folly survive in the grounds. The gate belongs to a listed group with the former Royal Spa on Park Hill and the gate at Egremont Place, so all three fit into one short stroll. How do you get there, and when should you go? The gate stands on a public street and can be viewed at any time, free of charge. It is under 2 km from central Brighton, east of the Old Steine, so you can walk or take a local bus towards Kemp Town. Daylight is best for photos, and a visit pairs naturally with a loop of Queen's Park, which has paths, a pond and a cafe. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. It is part of the street scene and open to view without a ticket. Who designed the gate? Francis J. May, Brighton's Borough Engineer and Surveyor. It dates from 1890. What is it made of? Artificial stone, with cast-iron railings along the attached walls. Are there other listed structures nearby? Yes. Nearby are the former Royal Spa on Park Hill, the gate at Egremont Place and the garden temple in Queen's Park.

Statue of the Viscount Montgomery

London

The Statue of the Viscount Montgomery in London is a bronze figure of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, set on Raleigh Green in front of the Ministry of Defence Main Building on Whitehall. It makes an easy, free stop on a walk between Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament. Who was Montgomery, and why is he honoured here? Bernard Montgomery (1887–1976) commanded the British Eighth Army in North Africa. His forces won the 1942 battle of El Alamein, widely seen as a turning point of the desert campaign, and the battle gave him his title, Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. After the war he served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff. The plinth inscription lists his commands and credits the statue to his comrades in arms and friends. What will you see? The statue shows the field marshal full-length in uniform on a modest plinth. It was made by Oscar Nemon, a sculptor known for portraits of leading public figures. It was unveiled on 6 June 1980 by the Queen Mother. Montgomery shares the green with two other Second World War commanders, Viscount Slim and Viscount Alanbrooke. The three statues stand close together, so you can see all of them in one visit. Each carries its own inscription, so check the plaque to tell them apart. How do you get there? The statue is on Whitehall, opposite the main entrance of the Ministry of Defence. The nearest Tube stations are Westminster and Embankment, and Trafalgar Square is a few minutes' walk away. Downing Street, Horse Guards and the Cenotaph are all close by. When should you visit? The statue stands in a public space, open at any hour and with no ticket. Daylight is best for photographs, when the bronze catches the light. Mornings are quieter, while Whitehall fills with visitors later in the day. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The statue stands on an open green and can be viewed free at any time. Who made the statue? Oscar Nemon, who completed it in 1980. What other memorials are next to it? Statues of Viscount Slim and Viscount Alanbrooke stand on Raleigh Green too, and the Cenotaph is a short walk away. How long does a visit take? Five to ten minutes for the statue itself, or about half an hour including the neighbouring monuments and a stroll along Whitehall.

Statue of the Viscount Alanbrooke

London

The Statue of the Viscount Alanbrooke is a bronze monument to Field Marshal Alan Brooke on Whitehall in London, set on the lawn in front of the Ministry of Defence. Sculptor Ivor Roberts-Jones created it, and it was unveiled on 25 May 1993 with Queen Elizabeth II in attendance. Who was Alanbrooke? Alan Brooke (1883–1963), later Viscount Alanbrooke, served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff through most of the Second World War. He was Winston Churchill's principal military adviser and had a hand in shaping Britain's wartime strategy. The inscriptions on the plinth recall that role and his later post as Master Gunner, the ceremonial head of the Royal Artillery. Correspondence about funding and design dates from 1991 to 1993, and the unveiling closed that process. What will you see? The field marshal stands full-length on a tall plinth, and the whole monument rises to nearly four metres (3.95 m according to the Imperial War Museum's memorial register). Roberts-Jones also made the Churchill statue in Parliament Square, so you may notice the same bold, simplified treatment of the figure. The statue is one of three Second World War commanders on the Ministry of Defence lawn. Field Marshals Slim and Montgomery stand on either side. Each has a different subject and a different sculptor, so it is worth walking the row and reading all three inscriptions. How do you get there? It stands on the east side of Whitehall, on the green strip in front of the Ministry of Defence building, in the heart of Westminster. Parliament, Downing Street and Horse Guards are a few minutes' walk away. The closest Underground stations are Westminster and Embankment, with Charing Cross a short walk to the north. When should you go? The monument is outdoors beside a busy road and can be seen at any hour without a ticket. Early mornings and weekends are calmest, with fewer commuters and less traffic. Daylight is best for photographs, taken from the pavement side. Frequently asked questions Who sculpted the Alanbrooke statue? Ivor Roberts-Jones. The neighbouring Montgomery statue is by a different sculptor. When was it unveiled? On 25 May 1993, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II. Is there an entrance fee? No. It stands in the public space on Whitehall and is open to view at all times. What else is nearby? The statues of Field Marshals Slim and Montgomery in front of the Ministry of Defence, then Horse Guards, Downing Street and the Cenotaph further along Whitehall.

Earl Haig Memorial

City of Westminster

Earl Haig Memorial is a bronze equestrian statue on Whitehall in the City of Westminster, London. It portrays Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig, who led the British armies on the Western Front during the First World War. The statue sits in the middle of the government avenue, a short walk from Downing Street. Who is commemorated, and who made it? Haig was Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in France from 1915 until the Armistice in 1918, and the plinth inscription says exactly that. The sculptor was Alfred Frank Hardiman; S. Rowland Pierce designed the base. Parliament commissioned the work in 1928, and Hardiman won a limited competition the following year. Why was it controversial? The project took eight years and drew sharp criticism. Commentators objected to the stylised, elongated horse, its anatomy and stance, as well as the rider's posture and uniform. It remains one of London's more debated equestrian monuments. The Duke of Gloucester unveiled it on 10 November 1937. Historic England lists it at Grade II*. How do you find it and what will you see? The statue stands on the carriageway of Whitehall opposite the Ministry of Defence building, near Horse Guards and the Cenotaph (about 51.5043 N, 0.1263 W). Westminster and Charing Cross stations are both a few minutes' walk away. Look at the stretched proportions of the horse and the stiff, formal bearing of the field marshal. It is one of several war memorials along Whitehall, so it fits easily into a walk past the Cenotaph and Horse Guards. When should you go? The monument is on an open street, so it is viewable at any hour and free of charge. Early mornings are quietest. Daylight gives the best photographs, while evenings bring street lighting. Around Remembrance Sunday in November, Whitehall hosts ceremonies and the area can be restricted. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The statue stands in the street and can be seen free at any time. Who sculpted it? Alfred Frank Hardiman, with a base by S. Rowland Pierce. When was it unveiled? On 10 November 1937, eight years after Hardiman won the competition. What else is nearby? The Cenotaph, Horse Guards, Downing Street and other war memorials along Whitehall.

Anglo-Belgian Memorial

City of Westminster

Anglo-Belgian Memorial in London is a monument of thanks on Victoria Embankment, in the City of Westminster, facing Cleopatra's Needle across the road. Belgium presented it to Britain in gratitude for help during the First World War, above all for taking in thousands of Belgians who fled their country after the German invasion of 1914. What is the Anglo-Belgian Memorial? You may also see it called the Belgian Gratitude Memorial, the Belgian Refugees Memorial or the Belgian Monument to the British Nation. It is a gift from one people to another. It does not commemorate a battle or fallen soldiers. It honours hospitality: Britain sheltered a vast number of Belgian refugees during the war, and this is their public thank-you. Who designed it and when was it unveiled? The centrepiece is a bronze group by the Belgian sculptor Victor Rousseau, who spent part of the war as a refugee in London himself. The Portland stone setting was designed by the British architect Reginald Blomfield. Princess Clementine unveiled the memorial on 12 October 1920, Belgian prime minister Léon Delacroix presented it, and Lord Curzon accepted it on Britain's behalf. The date was chosen with care: it was the fifth anniversary of the execution of Edith Cavell, the British nurse tied to the Brussels network that helped soldiers escape occupied Belgium. What will you see there? The bronze shows a woman with children carrying flowers, a composition meant to express care and gratitude. The official listing praises the quality of the casting and calls it a rare example in England of continental public statuary. Portland stone frames the sculpture with carved detail. Historic England lists the memorial at Grade II*, a status reserved for particularly important buildings and structures, and the entry stresses its group value alongside the neighbouring Cleopatra's Needle. How do you get to Victoria Embankment? The memorial stands on the riverside promenade by the Thames, next to Cleopatra's Needle, a short walk from Embankment and Charing Cross stations. From Trafalgar Square it takes only a few minutes on foot, heading downhill towards the river. It is in a public space, free to view at any hour. When is the best time to visit? Morning or late-afternoon light gives the best photographs, when the bronze stands out clearly against the pale stone. The memorial fits naturally into a walk along the river, with Cleopatra's Needle, Hungerford Bridge and the embankment gardens close by. Fifteen minutes is plenty for the monument itself, so it works well as a stop on a longer Westminster route. Why is it worth seeing? It is one of London's quieter monuments and easy to walk past. It tells a story guidebooks rarely cover: the mass exodus of 1914 and the way London became a temporary home for Belgians. If you care about war memorials, public sculpture or the First World War seen through civilian experience, it deserves a pause. Frequently Asked Questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands on a public promenade and is free to see at any time. Who created the Anglo-Belgian Memorial? Victor Rousseau made the sculpture and Reginald Blomfield designed the architectural setting. It was unveiled on 12 October 1920. What does the monument commemorate? Belgian gratitude for British support in the First World War, especially for sheltering refugees in 1914. How long should I allow? About 10 to 15 minutes. Combine it with a look at Cleopatra's Needle and a walk along the Thames.

Battle of Britain Monument

City of Westminster

Battle of Britain Monument is a bronze-and-granite memorial on the Victoria Embankment in the City of Westminster, London, facing the River Thames. It honours the airmen and ground crews who defended Britain against the Luftwaffe in 1940. Sculptor Paul Day created it, and it was unveiled on 18 September 2005, exactly 65 years after the height of the battle, by the Prince of Wales with the Duchess of Cornwall. What will you see? The monument runs along a granite structure about 25 metres long on the riverside. Its bronze work includes two large high-relief friezes and a group of figures. The central piece, titled "Scramble", shows pilots sprinting towards their aircraft as the alarm sounds. The other scenes depict life during the air raids: families sheltering, ground crews at work and civilians living under the bombs. Bronze plaques around the outside carry the names of 2,936 airmen and ground personnel from 14 countries. They are a reminder that the defence of Britain involved pilots from Poland, Czechoslovakia, Canada, New Zealand and many other nations, not only the British. Why is it built on this structure? The granite base is older than the memorial. It dates to the 19th-century embankment works and originally served as a vent for smoke from the underground railway, back when trains ran on steam. The idea of a memorial here came from Bill Bond, founder of the Battle of Britain Historical Society, and Westminster City Council provided the site. How do you get there? The monument stands on Victoria Embankment, close to Westminster Bridge and Westminster Pier, directly across the river from the London Eye. The nearest Underground stations are Westminster and Embankment, each a short walk away. The RAF Memorial is nearby, so the two fit easily into a single stroll. When should you visit, and for how long? It is free and always accessible, as it stands in the open air. Allow 15 to 30 minutes to look at the sculpture and read the names. Early mornings are the quietest, while daylight brings out the detail of the bronze. Mid-September has a special atmosphere, when the anniversary of the battle is marked. What else is nearby? The Embankment walk leads to Westminster Bridge, the Palace of Westminster with Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Across the Thames are the London Eye and the South Bank. River cruises depart from Westminster Pier. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. It is an open-air memorial on the riverside and free to visit at any time. Who made the Battle of Britain Monument? Sculptor Paul Day. It was unveiled on 18 September 2005. Is it the same as the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne? No. That memorial is a separate site on the Kent cliffs. This one stands in central London beside the Thames. Whose names are on the plaques? They list 2,936 airmen and ground crew from 14 countries who took part in the Battle of Britain.

Gurkha Memorial

City of Westminster

Gurkha Memorial is a bronze monument in the City of Westminster, London, on Horse Guards Avenue at its junction with Whitehall Court. It honours the Gurkhas, the soldiers from Nepal who have served alongside the British Army, and was the first memorial to them in the United Kingdom. Who made it, and what does it show? The sculptor was Philip Jackson, a British artist known for public commissions. The figure is a Gurkha soldier standing at ease in a First World War-style uniform and hat. Jackson drew on an earlier statue by Richard Reginald Goulden but reworked it in his own manner, using a living model, Captain Khemkumar Limbu. Cecil Denny Highton designed the plinth. Why was it built in 1997? Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the memorial on 3 December 1997. The trigger was the relocation of the Gurkhas' headquarters and training centre from Hong Kong to Britain that same year. It commemorates the Nepalese men who fought in both world wars. Plaques for more recent operations were reportedly added around the 2015 bicentenary of Gurkha service. What will you see? A bronze figure on a stone plinth, with government buildings behind it, directly opposite the main building of the Ministry of Defence. Read the inscriptions on the base, then move on: the monument is compact and a visit takes a few minutes. It pairs naturally with a walk along Whitehall. How do you get there? The coordinates are roughly 51.505 N, 0.125 W. From Trafalgar Square it is a short walk down Whitehall, and from Westminster a little over fifteen minutes on foot. The nearest Underground stations are Embankment and Westminster. The route is flat, on pavements, with no steps. When should you go? The memorial stands on the street, so you can see it at any hour and without a ticket. Weekday mornings are busiest; weekends are calmer and easier for photos. Ceremonial events in the government district, such as those around Remembrance Sunday in November, can lead to street closures. Frequently asked questions Is it free to visit? Yes. The memorial is in a public space with no admission charge. Who unveiled it? Queen Elizabeth II, on 3 December 1997. Who are the Gurkhas? Soldiers recruited in Nepal who have served in the British Army for two centuries. The memorial recalls their part in the First and Second World Wars. What else is nearby? Whitehall's government buildings, Horse Guards, Trafalgar Square and several other military memorials along the same street. The Gurkha Memorial needs only a few minutes, so it fits easily into a walk towards Westminster.

Statue of Queen Victoria

Portslade by Sea

The Statue of Queen Victoria stands on the Hove seafront, at the southern end of Grand Avenue, in the Brighton and Hove area of East Sussex. It is the work of Thomas Brock. Portslade-by-Sea lies a few kilometres to the west along the coast, so it fits easily into a seaside walk or ride. What is the statue and who made it? The monument is a bronze figure of the queen on a plinth of Aberdeen granite. Brock, a leading sculptor of the late Victorian period, produced fourteen statues of Victoria over his career, and this is one of them. The design dates from 1897, work started in March 1899, and the statue was unveiled on 9 February 1901, a few weeks after the queen died. The cost was around £3,000, and an inscription on the plinth credits the inhabitants of Hove. What will you see? Victoria is shown wearing a crown and veil, with an orb and sceptre in her hands. The orb carries a small winged Victory. The figure faces south, towards the sea. Including the base, the monument rises to roughly 4 metres. Brock made this version taller than his statue in Worcester, so it reads well from a distance along the promenade. The granite plinth has four bronze relief panels. They illustrate Empire, Education, Science and Art, and Commerce, the themes by which Victorian Britain liked to describe its achievements. A Latin inscription runs around the top of the plinth. Is it a listed monument? Yes. Historic England protects the statue as a Grade II listed building (list entry 1187555). It is one of several Victoria statues in the country with this status. How do you get there? The statue is on the seafront between Hove Lawns and the King Alfred area, close to the junction with Grand Avenue. From Hove station it is about a 15-minute walk south. Buses along the coast road stop nearby, and from Portslade-by-Sea you can walk or cycle east along the seafront path. Parking on the front is limited, so a bus or train is the easier choice. When is the best time to visit? The statue is outdoors and free to see at any hour. Morning and late afternoon give the best light on the bronze, and a summer evening on the promenade is pleasant. Wind from the Channel can be strong in autumn and winter, so bring a jacket. What else is nearby? Hove Lawns, the beach huts and the long promenade lie within a few minutes' walk. The Georgian squares of Brunswick Town are close by, and the centre of Brighton is about 3 km east along the seafront. Frequently asked questions Who sculpted the Hove statue of Queen Victoria? Thomas Brock, who made fourteen statues of the queen. When was it unveiled? On 9 February 1901. Is the statue listed? Yes, it has Grade II status with Historic England. Does it cost anything to visit? No. It stands in the open on the seafront and can be visited at any time.

Royal Tank Regiment Memorial

City of Westminster

Royal Tank Regiment Memorial stands in the City of Westminster, London, at the junction of Whitehall Place and Whitehall Court, a short walk from the Thames. The bronze group honours the soldiers of the Royal Tank Regiment, the British armoured corps, and shows a five-man tank crew from the Second World War. What does the memorial show? The sculpture is a group of figures slightly larger than life, portraying the crew of a Comet tank, one of Britain's late-war designs. The men are caught mid-action: the commander scans the surroundings through binoculars, while the gunner, loader, driver and hull machine gunner, armed with a machine gun, are at their posts. The tank itself is absent. The monument focuses on the people who fought inside it, which gives it a more personal feel than many military memorials. Who made it and when was it unveiled? English sculptor Vivien Mallock created the work, enlarging a small maquette made in 1953 by the Scottish artist George Henry Paulin. That original model is kept at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset. Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the memorial on 13 June 2000, in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Tank Regiment. Where exactly is it? The memorial sits beside Whitehall Court, next to Whitehall Place, in London's government quarter. This area of ministries and state buildings lies between Trafalgar Square and the Palace of Westminster. It is a separate monument from the other war memorials along Whitehall itself, and a much newer one. How do you get there? Walking is easiest from Embankment or Charing Cross stations, both a few minutes away. From Trafalgar Square, head towards Westminster and turn towards the river. Driving makes little sense: central London charges drivers, and parking is scarce and expensive. City buses stop along Whitehall nearby. How long should you allow, and when should you go? The memorial is outdoors on a public street, so you can see it at any hour and without a ticket. Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty, ideally as part of a wider Westminster stroll. Mornings are quieter, and low sun brings out the detail in the bronze figures. What else is nearby? Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards, Downing Street, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben are all close. The riverside path along Victoria Embankment offers a pleasant route back towards Charing Cross. Together these make an easy half-day walk through government London. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands on the street and is free to view at any time. Who unveiled it? Queen Elizabeth II, on 13 June 2000, as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Tank Regiment. What does the sculpture depict? A five-man Second World War Comet tank crew, made by Vivien Mallock from a maquette by George Henry Paulin. Where can you see the original maquette? At the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, which holds Paulin's 1953 model.

The Nelson Monument

Winchester

The Nelson Monument is a column honouring Admiral Horatio Nelson, standing on Portsdown Hill in Hampshire, in the parish of Boarhunt (Winchester district) on England's south coast. Despite the "Winchester" label, it is not in the city centre, nor in Edinburgh or Great Yarmouth, where other Nelson memorials stand: this one crowns the ridge above Portsmouth Harbour. What is it? The column rises from a granite base and, depending on the source, measures roughly 34 to 37 metres, so it is a landmark visible for miles. The idea of commemorating the Royal Navy's victories began in Nelson's own lifetime, and his death at Trafalgar on 21 October 1805 gave the campaign real momentum. The foundation stone was laid in 1807, with money raised by subscription among the officers and sailors of the fleet who had served under him. Why is it protected? Historic England lists the monument at Grade II* (list entry 1095592, listed in 1967), a status held by only a small share of listed buildings in England. What will you see? The column is best admired from the outside, from the paths and road along the ridge. The land is held by state bodies, so check current access arrangements with the local council before you go. Portsdown Hill is known for wide views over Portsmouth, Gosport and the Solent. How to get there The monument is about 3 km (2 miles) north of Portsmouth Harbour, off Monument Lane. Next door is Fort Nelson, a Victorian fortress from the 1860s that houses a Royal Armouries museum with free admission (parking is charged, around GBP 3). Combining the two makes an easy half-day. When to visit Pick a clear day for the best Solent views; late afternoon adds good light. Grassy slopes around the hill offer easy walking. Frequently asked questions Is The Nelson Monument in Winchester? Administratively it falls in the Winchester district (Boarhunt parish), but it lies far from the city itself, in the Portsmouth and Fareham area. Can you climb the column? Visitors view it from outside. We found no information on public access to the top, and the land belongs to government bodies. What else is nearby? Fort Nelson with its Royal Armouries artillery collection, and Portsdown Hill's panoramic viewpoints. Who paid for it? Officers and men of the fleet who served with Nelson contributed by subscription; the foundation stone was laid in 1807.

Martyrs' Memorial

Oksford

The Martyrs' Memorial in Oxford is a Gothic Revival monument at the junction of St Giles', Magdalen Street and Beaumont Street, just west of Balliol College. It honours three Anglican churchmen who were burned at the stake in the 1550s for refusing to renounce their beliefs. Who does it commemorate? The monument is dedicated to the Oxford Martyrs: bishops Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. Condemned for heresy under the Catholic queen Mary I, Latimer and Ridley died on 16 October 1555 and Cranmer on 21 March 1556. Who designed it, and why was it built? Sir George Gilbert Scott, one of the leading Victorian architects, drew up the design, drawing on medieval crosses and 13th-century Gothic. The inscription carries the date MDCCCXLI (1841), and work finished in the early 1840s. Protestant Anglicans funded it as a statement against the Oxford Movement, which was pulling the Church of England closer to Catholic tradition. What will you see? A stone spire rises above a polygonal base. Its niches hold three statues by Henry Weekes: Cranmer faces north with a Bible, Ridley looks east, and Latimer, arms folded, looks west. The memorial is a Grade II* listed structure (list entry 1107172). Is this where the burnings happened? No. The fires were lit near today's Broad Street, where a separate cross set into the road marks the area. The exact spot is uncertain. The memorial on St Giles' stands a short walk away and serves as a commemoration. How to get there and when to visit The memorial sits in central Oxford, a few minutes on foot from the Ashmolean Museum, Balliol College and Broad Street. It stands in the open beside a busy junction, so you view it from outside, free of charge, at any hour. Daylight suits photography best, and early morning is the quietest time. St Giles' Fair takes over this street each September, but that is a separate event. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. It is a public monument, open to view at all times at no cost. How long should I allow? Ten to fifteen minutes is enough. Pair it with a walk to the cross on Broad Street and a visit to the Ashmolean. Can you climb or enter it? No. You look at it from street level, where the statues and carving are easy to see. How does it differ from the cross on Broad Street? The St Giles' monument is a Victorian structure with statues of the three martyrs. The Broad Street cross is a small marker in the paving showing the likely site of the pyres.