Admiral Hood Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hood monument |
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Tuscan column |
| Town or city | Compton Dundon |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°06′05″N 2°43′17″W / 51.101356°N 2.721306°W |
| Completed | 1831 |
| Technical details | |
| Size | 110 feet (33.5 m) high |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Henry Goodridge |
The Hood monument is a tall memorial column. It stands on a hill near Butleigh in the area of Compton Dundon, Somerset, England. This monument honors Sir Samuel Hood, a famous naval officer. It was finished in 1831. The design was created by an architect named Henry Goodridge.
About the Hood Monument
The Hood monument is about 110 feet (34 meters) tall. It looks like a Tuscan column. This is a type of classical architecture column, known for being simple and strong. The column stands on a square base made of smooth, cut stones called ashlar. This base rests on two tall steps. The bottom step has a metal railing around it.
Design and Inspiration
The monument's shape and size were inspired by Trajan's Column in Rome. Trajan's Column is an ancient Roman victory column. The Hood monument originally had a door in its base. This door was sealed up in 1990.
The very top of the monument has a special design. It features a band of laurel wreaths. Above these wreaths is a naval crown. This crown is made to look like the back parts of four old sailing ships. These ship parts are mixed with four large sails. A sculptor named Gahagan from Bath carved these details.
How It Was Built
The monument was paid for by many people. They all gave money to a "public subscription." This means people from the community donated to the project. The architect, Henry Goodridge, designed the monument.
Long ago, the monument was connected to the Hood family home. A mile-long path of cedar trees led from the house to the monument. A famous writer, Sir James Mackintosh, wrote the words for the monument's inscription.
Protecting the Monument
Today, the Hood monument is a very important historical site. English Heritage has given it a special status. It is a grade II* listed building. This means it is a building of special interest. It is protected to make sure it lasts for a long time.
