Pillar of Salt

The Pillar of Salt is a white concrete structure with illuminated information panels positioned at the intersection of Angel Hill and Abbeygate Street. The monument features a tall slender shaft topped with directional signage that guides traffic through the town center.

The structure was designed by architect Basil Oliver in 1935 and represents advances in traffic infrastructure during the interwar period. It marks a pivotal moment when motor vehicles began reshaping how towns organized their streets and public spaces.

The structure draws its name from a biblical reference, adding a layer of meaning beyond its practical road-sign function. This naming choice reveals how the town integrates literary and religious imagery into everyday urban features.

The monument sits at a main intersection in the town center and is easily reached on foot from nearby attractions. Its internal lighting remains visible after dark, making it readable regardless of the time of day you visit.

This structure was Britain's first internally illuminated road sign, pioneering innovations in urban design and traffic safety. The lighting technology allowed drivers to navigate safely at night long before reflective materials became widely used.

Location: Bury St Edmunds

GPS coordinates: 52.24499,0.71592

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04