Keppel's Column

Keppel's Column is a sandstone structure in Scholes Coppice standing roughly 115 feet tall with Tuscan architectural styling and circular windows at various heights. The summit features a rectangular platform designed as a viewpoint, while the whole construction serves as a permanent memorial from the 1700s.

Construction took place between 1773 and 1781 under architect John Carr, commissioned to honor Admiral Augustus Keppel after his acquittal in a military court case. The project reflected the political importance of this military event for the local community and became a lasting local landmark.

The column sits among other follies scattered across the Wentworth Woodhouse estate, showing how wealthy landowners of the 1700s used unusual structures to decorate their grounds. Visitors walking through the area can observe how these buildings were used to display power and create talking points for guests.

A public footpath starting from Admiral's Crest in Scholes provides access to the column and features 217 steel steps with metal railings for safe climbing. The ascent requires physical effort, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time for the climb and the viewpoint experience.

The column displays a noticeable bulge caused by an entasis correction, an architectural technique used to adjust the optical appearance of vertical structures. This became necessary when budget constraints during construction forced changes to the originally planned dimensions.