01/02/2016 - Permalink

Climb Shrewsbury’s highest monument in 2016

Related topics: Community / Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

News from the Friends of Lord Hill’s Column

Lord Hill’s Column, opposite Shirehall in Shrewsbury, will once again be open to the public during 2016.

Last year over 1,300 people climbed the 172 steps to see the remarkable views from the top and contribute to the preservation of this important monument. Although the column itself has been restored, the statue of Lord Hill at the top needs to be replaced with a replica and public support is essential to help Shropshire Council make successful applications for grants to pay for this.

This year marks an important anniversary for The Column – it will be 200 years old on 18 June 2016. It is an exceptional historical asset for the county and, properly maintained, it could become a major element in Shropshire’s tourism industry.

Information for the public.

The Column will be open on the following dates and times:

  • Monday 28 March Easter Monday Bank Holiday 1100 – 1600 inclusive
  • Saturday 9 April – see below **
  • Monday 30 May Late May Bank Holiday 1100 – 1600 inclusive
  • Saturday 18 June Bicentenary Day of completion of the Column 1100 – 1600 inclusive
  • Sunday 17 July 1200 – 1600 inclusive
  • Saturday 20 August 1100 – 1600 inclusive
  • Sunday 11 September Heritage Open Day 1200 – 1600 inclusive.

Groups of up to 14 people will make the climb every half hour.

A special event is being planned for Saturday 9 April. The Column will be open on a first come, first served basis on the half hour from 1300-1600 inclusive. No prior bookings on this day.

There are 172 stairs so three things are essential:

  1. All applicants must be confident that they are fit enough to climb a spiral staircase of 172 stairs, enjoy the view from the top and descend again in 29 minutes.
  2. All applicants must know that they have a head for heights.
  3. Children under the age of 10 must be very carefully supervised bearing in mind that each climb can last only 29 minutes maximum. Those with children must make up their own minds if they think that their children are old enough and strong enough to manage this quite steep climb. It is exciting, BUT for a child a high spiral staircase can seem endless! Sturdy 5-year olds manage the climb, and very small children are welcome if carried.

Pre-booking is essential . Contact l.r.hayes@btinternet.com or ring 01743 244668

A Waiting List will be opened as required in case of cancellations at a later date.

All those with booked places are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the time of their climb.

WHAT TO DO NOW THAT THESE DETAILS HAVE BEEN NOTED

Please apply stating:

  1. Which day you would like to make the climb.
  2. Your preferred time – please offer alternative times if possible.
  3. How many places you want.
  4. Remember to arrive 15 minutes before the stated half hour slot of your choice.

Entry £5, conferring automatic Life Membership of the Friends of Lord Hill’s Column. A card is given entitling the holder to free climbs for life, on open days. Students and children: Free.

Further information

1. The Friends of Lord Hill’s Column was formed in September 2013 and we now have 1350 Life Members. This has been achieved mainly through opening The Column on specified days so that members of the public may climb the 172 stairs to the top. This costs £5 (young people of school age climb free) and confers automatic life membership of the Friends who can climb the column free of charge thereafter.

2. Rowland Hill (1772 -1842) was born at Prees, North Shropshire and served as a friend and fellow General with Wellington throughout the Peninsular War (1808 – 1814). He achieved three important battle victories: in Spain at Arroyo in 1811 and at Almaraz in 1812 and in France at St Pierre in 1813. He was universally loved in the army for his kindness, earning the title Daddy Hill. He was created Baron Hill of Almaraz and Hawkstone in 1814 and fought at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He was second-in-command of the Army of Occupation in Paris until 1818, then returned to Shropshire and spent the next ten years at his home at Hardwick near Hadnall. From 1828-42 he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Army with his office in Horse Guards. He was created a Viscount in 1842 and died at Hardwick in December 1842. He was buried in Hadnall church where his memorial tablet may be seen.

3. Lord Hill’s Column was erected at the expense of the people of Shropshire to honour their local hero Rowland Hill. The Column is 200 years old and took 18 months to build. It is 133 feet 6 inches high (40.5 metres), and was designed by local Shropshire architect Edward Haycock. The foundation stone was laid on 27 December 1814 and it was completed on 18th June 1816, the first anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The statue of Lord Hill at the top is made of Coade Stone and, at 17 feet high (5 metres), is one of the largest statues made by Mrs Coade’s firm in Lambeth, London. It was modelled by Joseph Panzetta (active 1787 – 1830) who worked for Mrs Coade for 26 years.