Britannia Monument

The Britannia Monument is a Doric column topped by six supporting figures that hold aloft a statue of Britannia with her trident. The structure stands as a tall landmark at South Denes, looking out toward the harbor and the sea beyond.

William Wilkins designed this monument between 1817 and 1819 to commemorate Admiral Nelson's victories during the Napoleonic Wars. It was built to stand as a tribute to British naval power during that pivotal era.

The monument bears inscriptions of Nelson's naval battles including Trafalgar, Copenhagen, and the Nile, marking moments that shaped British maritime identity. You can read these names carved into the structure as you walk around it.

The monument stands at Monument Road and is easy to spot from the waterfront area. A staircase inside leads to the top, though climbing requires some effort and physical ability.

The first custodian was James Sharman, a sailor from HMS Victory who helped carry the wounded Admiral Nelson below deck during the battle. This personal link to the events being commemorated adds a touching layer of history to the site.

Location: Great Yarmouth

Architects: William Wilkins

GPS coordinates: 52.58840,1.73360

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02