Waterloo Monument facts for kids
The Waterloo Monument is a tall tower located near Ancrum in the Scottish Borders, Scotland. It stands 150 feet (about 46 meters) high and was built between 1817 and 1824. This impressive monument was created to remember the famous Battle of Waterloo, a very important battle in history. The tower was designed by an architect named Archibald Elliot. Interestingly, an earlier design by William Burn didn't work out because it collapsed!
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Exploring the Waterloo Monument
The Waterloo Monument is built on a hill called Peniel Heugh. This hill is located between the villages of Ancrum and Nisbet, Roxburghshire. Even though the land is private, people who enjoy walking can park their cars at the Harestanes Visitor Centre. From there, they can follow a special path that leads right up to the top of the hill where the monument stands.
Can You Go Inside the Monument?
The tower itself is not usually open to everyone. However, if you're really keen to see inside, you can sometimes borrow a key. You can get this key for a small fee from the Lothian Estates Office, which is in nearby Bonjedward. Inside the monument, there's a spiral staircase that winds all the way up. This staircase leads to a balcony that goes around the very top of the tower, offering amazing views!
Fun Events at the Monument
Sometimes, special events happen at the Waterloo Monument. For example, on May 1, 2011, a temporary zip wire was set up there. This was part of a fundraising event to help the Anthony Nolan charity. The zip wire was built by a company called Vertical Events and was thought to be the longest ever set up in the UK at 1,500 feet (about 457 meters) long!
Recent Updates to the Monument
The monument needed some work done in May and June of 2018. During this time, it was closed to visitors while renovations were happening. This helps keep the monument in good condition for many years to come.
