Nelson Monument, Liverpool facts for kids
The Nelson Monument is a famous statue in Liverpool, England. It honors Admiral Horatio Nelson, a very important British naval hero. The monument was designed by Matthew Cotes Wyatt and sculpted by Richard Westmacott. It stands near the Liverpool Town Hall and was first shown to the public in 1813.
History of the Nelson Monument
After Admiral Nelson won the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the Liverpool City Council decided to build a monument to remember his great victory. They agreed to pay £1,000 towards building it. People also donated money, and soon they had raised a lot more, about £8,930!
Matthew Cotes Wyatt won a competition to design the monument. He was helped by Richard Westmacott. The first stone was placed on July 15, 1812. The monument was officially shown to the public on October 21, 1813. This date was special because it was eight years after Nelson's death. In 1866, the monument was moved to its current spot in Exchange Flags. Its base was also changed from stone to granite.
What the Nelson Monument Looks Like
The Nelson Monument is made of a bronze statue on a stone base. It stands about 29 feet (9 meters) tall. The base is round and about 8 feet 10 inches (2.7 meters) high. It sits on a granite bottom that is 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.
Around the base, there are four bronze statues of sad-looking prisoners. These figures represent Nelson's big victories: the battles of Cape St Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen, and Trafalgar. Between these statues, there are four bronze pictures (called bas-reliefs) that show other naval battles Nelson was in.
Above the statues, there are decorations of laurel leaves hanging from lion heads. Chains from the lions' mouths go down to the prisoners. At the very top of the base, there's a famous message in metal letters: "ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN TO DO HIS DUTY".
On top of the base, there is a group of bronze figures that are about 14 feet 2 inches (4.3 meters) tall. Each figure is about 7 feet (2.1 meters) high. They are surrounded by captured flags, an anchor, and a rope. Nelson himself stands with one foot on a cannon and the other on an enemy. He holds a sword, and a figure representing Victory is placing a crown on it.
To Nelson's right, there is a figure of Death reaching out to touch him. On his left, there is a British sailor moving forward. Behind Nelson is the figure of Britannia, who holds a laurel wreath and Nelson's awards.
This monument was the first public statue built in Liverpool. It is a very important building and is listed as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a "particularly important building of more than special interest."
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a Nelson (Liverpool) para niños
