Wellington Monument, Triangular obelisk in Somerset, England
Wellington Monument is an obelisk in southern Somerset that rises 53 meters (174 feet) above Blackdown Hills. The three sides form a pointed pyramid made of local stone, and an iron gate now secures access to the internal stairway.
Work began in 1817, two years after the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The project remained incomplete until donations and local efforts in the 19th century allowed its completion.
The name honors Arthur Wellesley, who became Duke of Wellington after his victory in 1815. Visitors today see the reopened structure, restored after years of closure thanks to local fundraising and national support.
The National Trust manages the site and allows access to the grounds surrounding the tower. Walking trails run through the area and offer good viewpoints from several directions.
The three-sided design is rare among obelisks worldwide and makes this the tallest of its kind. An old cannon rests at the base, recalling the military past.
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