Wellington Monument, Dublin facts for kids
Wellington Monument (Wellington Testimonial) in Dublin's Phoenix Park
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| Coordinates | 53°20′56″N 6°18′11″W / 53.3490°N 6.3031°W |
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| Location | Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland |
| Designer | Robert Smirke |
| Type | Obelisk |
| Material | Granite |
| Height | 62 metres (203 ft) |
| Beginning date | 1817 |
| Opening date | 1861 |
| Dedicated to | Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington |
The Wellington Monument, also known as the Wellington Testimonial, is a giant stone pillar called an obelisk. You can find it in Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland.
This huge monument stands at the southeast end of Phoenix Park. It looks out over the areas of Kilmainham and the River Liffey. The structure is 62 metres (203 ft) tall. This makes it the largest obelisk in all of Europe!
Contents
The Story Behind the Monument
The Wellington Testimonial was built to remember the many victories of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. Wellington was a famous British general and politician. He was also known as the 'Iron Duke' and was born in Ireland.
The monument was first planned for Merrion Square in Dublin. However, people living in the square did not want it there. So, the plans were changed, and it was built in Phoenix Park instead.
Building the Obelisk
The architect Sir Robert Smirke designed this impressive obelisk. The very first stone was laid in 1817. There were plans to put a statue of Wellington riding a horse on a separate base at the bottom of the obelisk.
When the obelisk was finished in 1822, the base for the statue was also put in place. But there wasn't enough money to make the statue. This left the base looking empty and unfinished for many years.
Completing the Monument
Wellington passed away in 1852. This made people want to finish the monument quickly. Professor Paula Murphy from UCD said they didn't want it to "look like an insult."
In the end, only bronze artworks were placed at the bottom of the obelisk. The empty base for the horse statue was removed. The Wellington Monument was finally opened to the public on June 18, 1861.
What Can You See There?
The monument has four special bronze plaques at its base. These plaques were made from cannons that were captured during the famous Battle of Waterloo. Three of them show pictures from Wellington's career. The fourth one has a poem written on it.
The Bronze Plaques
The plaques show important moments and ideas:
- 'Civil and Religious Liberty' was created by John Hogan.
- 'Waterloo' was made by Thomas Farrell.
- The 'Indian Wars' plaque was sculpted by Joseph Robinson Kirk.
The Inscription
The fourth plaque has a poem that reads:
- Asia and Europe, saved by thee, proclaim
- Invincible in war thy deathless name,
- Now round thy brow the civic oak we twine
- That every earthly glory may be thine.
This poem praises Wellington for his military victories in different parts of the world. It also honors him for his achievements as a leader.
Gallery
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An old picture from around 1830, showing the planned base for the horse statue.
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A close-up of the inscription on one of the plaques.
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One of the detailed bronze plaques.
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The plaque showing scenes from the 'Indian Wars'.
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The plaque showing the famous 'Waterloo' battle.
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An amazing view of the monument from above.
