Tenantry Column, Memorial column in Alnwick, England.
The Tenantry Column is a memorial in Alnwick standing approximately 25 meters (83 feet) high with elaborate Doric architecture. A lion statue crowns the structure while four additional lion figures anchor its base.
The column was erected in 1816 by tenants of Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland, to honor his decision to reduce their rents during economic hardship. The structure emerged from genuine gratitude for the landlord's financial aid during difficult years.
The column displays the Percy family motto 'Esperance en Dieu' and houses a sealed capsule containing the roster of Percy Tenantry Volunteers. This memento honors the bond between the volunteers and their cause.
The monument sits on South Road and serves as a prominent landmark for visitors approaching Alnwick by train from the west. Its central location makes it straightforward to reach and view from nearby streets.
The Percy Lion atop the column points toward Scotland, though the specific reason for this directional placement remains mysterious. This unexplained orientation intrigues visitors exploring the monument.
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