Admiral Rodney's Pillar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Admiral Rodney's Pillar
Rodney's Pillar on Breidden Hill
Type	Monument
Location	Powys, Wales
OS grid reference	SJ 2951 1441
Built	1781–82
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name: Admiral Rodney's Pillar
Designated	26 October 1953
Reference no.	7667
Community	Bausley with Criggion
Principal area	Powys
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Admiral Rodney's Pillar (Welsh: Pilar Rodney) is a monument on Breidden Hill in Powys, Wales. It was built in 1781–82 to commemorate the naval victories of Sir George Brydges Rodney, Admiral of the White during the American War of Independence. The pillar is of local stone, 54 feet (16 m) high, and topped with a drum and finial, which replaced the original gilded ball after a lightning strike in 1847. A granite panel states that it was erected by the "Gentlemen of Montgomeryshire" to commemorate the naval successes of Admiral Rodney including the Battle of the Saints. The pillar is a conspicuous landmark around the Upper Severn Valley and is a Grade II* listed building.

An inscription in Welsh, which had disappeared by 1890, translated as "RODNEY'S PILLAR. The highest pillar will fall, the strongest towers will decay: but the fame of Sir George Brydges Rodney shall increase continually, and his good name shall never be obliterated."

Access to the monument was restricted to tourists in March 2020 as a result of UK Government guidelines following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conservation

In the 21st century the monument was reported to be in need of restoration work. By late 2019, cracks had appeared in the monument and a copper lightning conductor had been stolen from its top. Restoration work was valued at £160,000.

A charity group 'Save Rodney's Pillar' was formed with the purpose of raising funds to aid in the restoration of the monument. The charity estimated that up to £200,000 was needed in order to restore and preserve the monument.