Stenbury Down facts for kids

Stenbury Down is a beautiful hill on the Isle of Wight. It is made of chalk, which is a soft, white rock. This hill is near Ventnor, a town in the southeast of the island. At its highest point, Stenbury Down reaches 226 meters (about 741 feet) high. This makes it one of the notable hills in the area. It stretches out long and narrow, running from north to south.

Stenbury Down: A Hill on the Isle of Wight

Stenbury Down is a type of landform called a "downland" or "down." These are usually open, rolling hills covered in grass. They are often found in areas with chalk bedrock, like the Isle of Wight. The hill's long shape means it covers a good distance across the landscape.

The Worsley Obelisk: A Historical Monument

On Stenbury Down, you will find a tall, thin stone monument called an obelisk. It was built a long time ago, in 1774, by Sir Richard Worsley. He put it there to remember Sir Robert Worsley, who lived at Appuldurcombe House. It was a way to honor his family's history.

Sadly, in 1831, lightning struck the obelisk. It was damaged quite a bit and partly fell down. But don't worry, it was fixed! In 1983, General Sir Richard Worsley helped restore it. The Isle of Wight Council and local people from Gatcombe Parish also helped. Now, it stands tall again for everyone to see.

Other Interesting Features

You might also spot two tall radio masts on Stenbury Down. These are used for sending radio signals across the area. They are very noticeable from a distance.

The northern end of Stenbury Down finishes at a place called Gat Cliff. The southern end of the hill smoothly changes into another hill known as Week Down. This shows how the landscape connects from one hill to the next.

Getting There

If you want to visit Stenbury Down, you can get there by vehicle. There is a road called Rew Lane that leads to the hill. There is also a steep, unnamed road that provides access.