Nicodemus Knob facts for kids
Nicodemus Knob is a tall stone pillar on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. It stands about 30 feet high. This unique pillar was left behind when people were digging for Portland stone. It's now a famous landmark on the East Cliff. Another similar stone pillar nearby is Pulpit Rock at Portland Bill.
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The Story of Nicodemus Knob
Nicodemus Knob stands in what used to be the Admiralty Quarries. These quarries were very busy between 1849 and 1872. Workers dug out huge amounts of stone from here. This stone was used to build the long walls, called breakwaters, for Portland Harbour.
Why Was It Left Standing?
This stone pillar shows how much stone was removed from the area. About six million tonnes of stone was taken from these quarries! Many people worked hard to dig out all that stone. The pillar might have been left to show the original ground level.
What Was Its Purpose?
No one is completely sure why Nicodemus Knob was left standing. Some people think it was a special marker for ships at sea. Others believe it was a way to remember all the hard work done by the people who moved so much stone. It could also simply be a reminder of how much stone was quarried from this spot.
Nature Around the Knob
Near Nicodemus Knob, you can see many small fields. These fields are surrounded by walls made of dry stone. The area around the knob is also known for its rich plant life. Many different kinds of plants grow there. It's also a great spot to see birds that are migrating, meaning they are flying from one place to another for the season.
