Ripon Obelisk, Grade I listed obelisk monument in Market Place, Ripon, England.
Description
Ripon Obelisk is a stone monument standing on the market square of this Northern England city and reaches a considerable height. The structure sits centrally in the public space and serves as a clear focal point for the square.
History
The monument was designed in the early 1700s by a notable architect and built under the patronage of a local landowner. A significant restoration took place later in the 1700s to mark an important milestone in local political history.
Culture
The monument displays inscriptions honoring local governance and features a weathervane shaped like the traditional Ripon hornblower at its top. This visible symbol links the city's past with its public space in a meaningful way.
Practical
The monument sits in the middle of the market square and is easy to reach while exploring the city. It provides a natural gathering point and is clearly visible and accessible from the streets surrounding the square.
Did you know?
An 18th-century travel writer mentioned this structure in his writings and compared it to similar constructions in the capital. This early literary reference shows the monument was already regarded as notable and comparable to London works at that time.
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