Camphill Column, Alnwick facts for kids
The Camphill Column
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| Coordinates | 55°24′17″N 1°42′55″W / 55.40484°N 1.71514°W |
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| Location | Alnwick, Northumberland, England |
| Type | Tuscan column |
| Material | Stone |
| Completion date | 1814 |
| Dedicated to | Pitt, Wellington, Nelson, Henry Collingwood Selby |
The Camphill Column is a tall stone pillar located in Alnwick, Northumberland, England. It was built in 1814 to celebrate important British wins against the French and to mark the return of peace to Europe.
This monument honors key figures like Pitt, Wellington, and Nelson. It also remembers Henry Collingwood Selby, who had the column built. Today, the Camphill Column is recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very important historical structure.
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What is the Camphill Column?
The Camphill Column stands on a place called Camp Hill. This spot is very old, possibly even used by ancient Britons. It's shaped like an oval and was once thought to be a military camp.
Who built the Camphill Column?
The column was ordered by Henry Collingwood Selby. He was a local leader and wanted to celebrate Britain's strength. John Hall, a skilled stonemason, built the column. It was placed on Selby's own land, Swansfield Park. Selby strongly supported Britain against those who liked the ideas of the French Revolution.
How the Column Looks
The Camphill Column is built in a classical style. It stands on two large square steps. At the very top, there's a stone ball. It's described as a "Tuscan column," which is a simple, strong type of column.
Today, the column is surrounded by trees on what is now a golf course. It sits on the remains of an old hillfort, which was a type of ancient defensive settlement.
Messages on the Column
The column has messages carved into its four sides. These messages explain why it was built and honor important people.
- One message quotes William Pitt, saying, "England has saved herself by her firmness, and Europe by her example."
- Another message explains that Henry Collingwood Selby built the pillar. It celebrates Britain's long fight (20 years) and big victories. These include pushing the French out of Russia in 1812 and defeating their armies in Germany in 1813. It also mentions the invasion of France, the fall of Napoleon, and the return of peace in 1814.
- A message honors Vice-Admiral Horatio Viscount Nelson. He won major sea battles like Aboukir and Copenhagen. He died during the famous Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where he defeated the French and Spanish navies.
- Another message praises Field Marshal The Duke of Wellington. He led British armies to victory against the French in Portugal and Spain. He won battles like Vimeira, Talavera, Salamanca, and Vittoria. He then pushed the French out of Spain and defeated them again at Toulouse in 1814.
- Finally, a message remembers William Pitt. He guided Britain's government during the early years of the war. He died in 1806. His strong policies helped other leaders secure independence for European nations and bring a glorious peace to Britain.
Column's History Today
The Camphill Column was officially listed as a historic building in August 1977. It survived even when Selby's home, Swansfield House, was torn down in 1975. Now, this important monument stands proudly within the grounds of the Alnwick Golf Club.
