Lansdowne Monument facts for kids
The Lansdowne Monument, also known as the Cherhill Monument, is a very tall stone pillar near Cherhill in Wiltshire, England. It stands 38 metres (about 125 feet) high, which is like a 12-story building! This impressive monument was built in 1845.
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The Amazing Lansdowne Monument
The Lansdowne Monument is a type of structure called an obelisk. An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid-like shape at the top. Ancient Egyptians often built obelisks. This one was designed by a famous architect named Sir Charles Barry. He also designed the Houses of Parliament in London!
Who Built This Tall Monument?
The monument was built by the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne. He was a very important person in British politics during his time. He wanted to build something special to remember one of his ancestors.
Honoring Sir William Petty
The person the monument honors is Sir William Petty. He was a very clever and important person who lived a long time ago. Sir William Petty was a scientist, an economist, and a philosopher. He was known for his work in mapping and understanding how countries make and use money. The Marquess built this monument to celebrate Sir William Petty's achievements and his family's history.
Where Can You Find It?
The Lansdowne Monument stands on a hill overlooking the village of Cherhill. It's in a beautiful part of Wiltshire, known for its rolling hills and ancient landmarks. If you visit, you might also see the famous Cherhill White Horse nearby. This is a giant horse shape carved into the chalk hillside, which is another amazing sight in the area. The monument and the white horse are often seen together in pictures.
Why Is It Special?
The Lansdowne Monument is not just a tall pillar; it's also a very important historical structure. It was given a special status called "Grade II* listed" in 1986.
Protecting History: Grade II* Listed
Being "Grade II* listed" means that the monument is considered a building of special interest. It's like saying it's a very important piece of history that needs to be protected. This status helps make sure that the monument is looked after and kept safe for future generations to enjoy. There are different grades, and Grade II* means it's particularly important.
The National Trust's Role
In 1990, the monument was restored by the National Trust. The National Trust is a charity in the UK that looks after many historic places and natural spaces. They work to preserve important buildings, gardens, and landscapes so that everyone can visit and learn about them. Their work helped make sure the Lansdowne Monument stayed in good condition for many years to come.
