Nelson Monument, Glasgow facts for kids
The Nelson Monument is a tall stone pillar, called an obelisk, found in Glasgow Green. This is a famous public park in Glasgow, Scotland. The monument was built to honor Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. He was a brave naval leader who died during the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.
People raised money, about £2,075, to build it. The first stone was placed on August 1, 1806. This was exactly one year after the Battle of Aboukir, another important victory for Nelson. The monument was finished on August 7, 1807. Many believe it was the very first monument completed in the UK to celebrate Nelson. On its completion day, it was decorated with flags. A large crowd watched, and ships nearby also raised their flags.
Contents
Building the Nelson Monument
Who Designed and Built It?
The Nelson Monument was designed by an architect named David Hamilton. The actual building work was done by a mason named A. Brockett. A mason is someone who works with stone.
How Tall Is It?
The monument stands about 144 feet (44 m) tall. That's as high as a 14-story building! It is surrounded by strong cast iron railings to protect it.
What Do the Inscriptions Say?
On the four sides of the monument's square base, there are special messages carved into the stone. One side names him as Horatio, Viscount Nelson. It also tells us when he was born and when he died. The other three sides list the names and dates of his most famous battles:
- Aboukir
- Copenhagen
- Trafalgar
A Landmark in History
First of Its Kind
Many people say this monument was the first in the UK to celebrate Nelson's big win at Trafalgar. A special sign in front of the monument says it was the first public monument in Britain built to honor Nelson's victories. It was paid for by ordinary people who donated money.
Lightning Strike and New Additions
Not long after it was built, the monument was hit by lightning! This caused a long crack in the stone. A painter named John Knox even painted a picture of this event. You can see his painting at the nearby People's Palace museum.
In 1965, another plaque was added to the base. This one remembers James Watt, a famous inventor. He used to walk in Glasgow Green while thinking about how to make a better steam engine.
Protected Building Status
In 1970, the Nelson Monument became a Category A listed building. This means it's a very important historical building. It is protected so it can be preserved for many years to come.
Images for kids
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Close up of Monument at sunset
