Wychbury Obelisk

Wychbury Obelisk is a stone monument rising approximately 84 feet (26 metres) above Wychbury Hill near Hagley, its geometric form marking the landscape with stark definition. The structure stands Grade II* listed and dominates the hilltop with its plain, tapered design.

Sir Richard Lyttelton commissioned the structure in 1764 to enhance views from his nearby Hagley Hall estate. A major restoration took place in 2011 to preserve the aging stone and maintain the design integrity of this 18th-century landmark.

Visitors often notice graffiti on the stone referring to a 1943 murder case involving an unidentified woman discovered in nearby Hagley Wood, which remains part of local folklore.

The monument is accessible by marked public footpaths connecting various points around Hagley and the surrounding landscape. Visitors should wear suitable walking shoes as the terrain is uneven and can be muddy depending on recent weather.

During the 2011 restoration, workers placed a time capsule containing local newsletters and rebuilding instructions inside the structure. Few visitors know about this hidden addition tucked within the stone walls of this 18th-century landmark.

Location: Hagley

GPS coordinates: 52.43276,-2.11761

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41