Sutherland Monument

Sutherland Monument is a 21-meter-tall stone obelisk with a square base and stepped foundation sitting atop Lilleshall Hill. It features two inscribed panels and stands as a distinctive landmark visible from across the surrounding Shropshire countryside.

The monument was built in 1833 to honor George Leveson-Gower, the First Duke of Sutherland, following his significant influence in the region. Local tenants pooled their resources to fund the project as a token of their appreciation for his leadership.

The inscribed tablets on the monument tell the story of gratitude from local tenants to a powerful landowner. These words reflect how people once honored those they saw as beneficial leaders in their community.

The site is accessible via marked walking paths on Lilleshall Hill that lead directly to the structure. Visitors can enjoy open views across the Shropshire landscape along the way, though the hilltop location means exposure to wind and weather.

Originally, the monument featured four decorative sculptures at its corners: two lions and two griffins that were damaged during a thunderstorm. The absence of these carved animals is a reminder of how nature has left its mark on this 19th century structure.

Location: Lilleshall

GPS coordinates: 52.73740,-2.40272

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45