Political Martyrs' Monument
Political Martyrs' Monument, Monument on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Description
The Political Martyrs' Monument is an obelisk built from sandstone blocks on a square base located on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. The structure rises prominently above the surrounding area with inscriptions carved into each of its four faces.
History
The monument was constructed in 1844 to honor five reformers who fought for voting rights and democratic representation during the early 1800s. Their imprisonment became a symbol of resistance to the political restrictions of that era.
Culture
The inscriptions carved into the stone faces reflect the political beliefs that these reformers fought to promote during their time. Walking around the base allows visitors to read the words that define what they stood for.
Practical
The monument can be visited at any time of year without paying any admission fees or needing advance booking. The paths leading up Calton Hill are accessible on foot and offer views across Edinburgh while you climb.
Did you know?
A smaller replica was built in London's Nunhead Cemetery in 1852, showing how the influence of this Scottish memorial spread to England. The London version stands at half the height and uses the same obelisk design.
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