Blantyre Monument facts for kids
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| Coordinates | 55°54′57″N 4°29′45″W / 55.9157°N 4.4959°W |
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| Location | Erskine, Renfrewshire |
| Designer | William Burn |
| Type | Obelisk |
| Material | Stone |
| Height | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Completion date | c.1825 |
| Dedicated to | Robert Walter Stuart |
The Blantyre Monument is a special stone structure located in Erskine, Renfrewshire, Scotland. It's a tall, pointed pillar called an obelisk. You can find it next to the B815 road, in a field right on the edge of Bishopton. This monument was built to remember an important person.
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Why Was the Blantyre Monument Built?
This monument was built to honor Robert Walter Stuart. He was the 11th Lord Blantyre, a title passed down through his family. Robert Walter Stuart lived nearby at a grand house called Erskine House, which is now known as Mar Hall.
Remembering a Brave Leader
Robert Walter Stuart was a very important person in the British Army. He was a Major-General, which is a high-ranking military leader. He fought in the Napoleonic Wars, a series of big conflicts in Europe. He served alongside the famous Duke of Wellington.
Sadly, Robert Walter Stuart died in 1830. It was an accident caused by a stray bullet during a street fight in Brussels. His friends thought very highly of him. They wanted to build something special to remember his bravery and service.
Who Designed the Monument?
The monument was designed by a famous architect named William Burn. It was finished around 1825. Years later, on June 27, 1980, the Blantyre Monument was officially recognized as a category B listed monument. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.
What Does the Inscription Say?
The monument has a special message carved into its stone. This message helps us understand why it was built and what people thought of Robert Walter Stuart.
Here is what the inscription says:
Erected by the county of Renfrew
to the memory of the right honorable
Robert Walter 11th Lord Blantyre
A Major-General in the British Army
and formerly Lord Lieutenant of
Renfrewshire
In testimony of respect for his
public services and as a tribute
of esteem of his private worth
This inscription tells us that the people of Renfrewshire built the monument. It honors Robert Walter Stuart, who was a Major-General and also the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire (a representative of the monarch in the county). It shows their respect for his work for the public and their admiration for him as a person.
