Burton Pynsent Monument, Stone monument on Troy Hill, Somerset, England
The Burton Pynsent Monument is a stone structure on Troy Hill rising about 140 feet high with a rectangular base supporting a round column topped by a viewing platform. The column is crowned with a decorative urn and stands prominently above the surrounding countryside.
William Pitt commissioned this structure in 1767 to honor Sir William Pynsent, who bequeathed his estate to the politician as a reward for his opposition to increased cider taxes. This gift reflected Pynsent's gratitude for Pitt's stance on a matter important to local people.
The structure is known by several names including Curry Rivel Column and Cider Monument, each reflecting different aspects of Somerset's rural and economic life. These various names show how local people connected the monument to their agricultural heritage and trading traditions.
The monument can be reached via a public footpath starting at Heale Lane, and an Ordnance Survey map is helpful for navigation. The location sits on exposed high ground, so visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions.
The monument was designed by the renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, though Philip Pear oversaw its actual construction. This collaboration between a celebrated designer and a local craftsman made the project stand out from typical rural monuments.
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