Disraeli Monument facts for kids
The Disraeli Monument is a special memorial built in 1862. It honors Isaac D'Israeli, who was a famous British writer and scholar. This monument is located on Tinker's Hill in the beautiful Hughenden Valley, close to High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, England.
It was designed by an architect named Edward Buckton Lamb. The monument is quite tall, standing at 50 feet (about 15 meters), and it's made from a type of stone called Bath stone.
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Why was the Disraeli Monument built?
This monument was put up in June 1862. It was a gift from Mary Anne Disraeli, who was married to Isaac D'Israeli's son, Benjamin Disraeli. Benjamin Disraeli later became a very important politician, even serving as the Prime Minister of Britain.
Mary Anne secretly planned and built the monument without her husband Benjamin knowing! She wanted to show her love and respect for her father-in-law, Isaac D'Israeli. The monument cost about £500 to build, which was a lot of money back then.
The monument stands in fields near Hughenden Manor, which was the country home of the D'Israeli family. When it was first built, you could even see Windsor Castle from the monument!
Who designed this monument?
The architect who designed the Disraeli Monument was Edward Buckton Lamb. He was paid £200 for his work. People liked the monument so much that Edward Buckton Lamb was later hired to make changes and improvements to Hughenden Manor for the Disraeli family.
Benjamin Disraeli himself loved the monument. In a letter he wrote in August 1862, he said it was "one of the most beautiful things not only in the County of Buckingham, but in England!"
What do the inscriptions say?
The monument has special messages carved into its stone. These are called inscriptions.
East Face Inscription
On the side of the monument facing east, there is a panel that says:
In Memory of Isaac Disraeli, of Bradenham, in this County, Esq., and Hon D.C.L. of the University of Oxford, Who, by his happy genius, diffused among the multitude that elevating taste for literature, which, before his time, was the privilege only of the learned. This monument was raised in affectionate Remembrance by Mary-Ann, the wife of his eldest son, the Right. Hon Benjamin Disraeli, Lord of this Manor, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1852-8 and 9 and now for the sixth time Knight of this shire. June, 1862
This inscription explains that the monument is for Isaac D'Israeli. It says he was a brilliant writer who helped many people enjoy literature, which used to be only for very educated people. It also clearly states that his daughter-in-law, Mary Anne, built it to remember him. It mentions her husband, Benjamin Disraeli, and his important roles, like being the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
North Face Inscription
On the side of the monument facing north, another panel says:
Mary Anne Disraeli Viscountess Beaconfield b. Dec. 19. 1872. Dulcis conjux
This shorter inscription is a tribute to Mary Anne Disraeli herself. It includes her title, Viscountess Beaconsfield, and the Latin phrase "Dulcis conjux," which means "sweet spouse" or "dear wife." This part was likely added later, as Mary Anne became Viscountess Beaconsfield in 1868 and passed away in 1872.
