[Picture: Lord Hill’s Column]
This noble column, erected in honour of the VALOUR and VIRTUES of an
individual whose well-earned laurels have gained him a firm affection in
the hearts of his countrymen, and truly rendered him SALOPIA’S PRIDE and
ENGLAND’S GLORY, stands on a rising ground at the entrance of the town
from the London road, and forms an interesting object to the surrounding
country. It is said to be the largest Grecian Doric column in the world.
The first stone was laid by the Salopian Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons, on the 27th December, 1814.
The pedestal is square, rising upon two steps, with a large pier at each
angle, on which are placed lions couchant, worked out of Grinshill stone
by Mr. Carline, of this town.
The diameter at the base is 15 feet, and the other dimensions are as
follow:—
ft. in.
Height of the pedestal 13 6
Shaft and capital 91 6
Pedestal for the figure 11 6
Statue of his lordship 17 0
Total height 133 6
The colossal statue of his Lordship on the summit is executed in
artificial stone by Messrs. Coade and Sealy, of London, modelled by
Panzetta. The original design for the column was by Mr. Haycock, of
Shrewsbury.
The contractors were Messrs. Simpson and Lawrence; on the death of the
former, the work devolved upon Mr. Straphen, who completed it, and
erected the elegant staircase within the building at his own expense.
The last stone was laid in 1816, on the anniversary of the memorable
battle of Waterloo.
On the pedestal are the following inscriptions: