Nelson's Monument, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

7770

Title

Nelson's Monument, Edinburgh

Description

On top of Calton Hill in Edinburgh is Nelson's Monument, identifiable by its distinctive telescope shape. The structure has a long column rising up from a square base, and walls some of which are crenellated. A path along the hill and through some trees leads to the monument. A cannon is also situated near the path behind some railings.

Artist / maker

Wilson, George Washington

Date

1880

Size

16.6 x 11.3 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Nelson Monument was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. The foundation stone was laid in 1807 and by 1808 the main tower was built but then money ran out. In 1814, the city took over the project, and the ground floor rooms were finished by 1816. In 1852, the time ball was added to the monument to help sailors know the exact time when working out longitude.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Monuments > Memorial monuments

Places > Edinburgh areas > Calton Hill

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Trails and paths

(55°57′15″N, 3°10′57″W)

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