Wellington Monument
Conservation works on top of the world
The Wellington Monument rises 53 meters in the air, higher than any triangular obelisk in the world. Erected in Taunton, Somerset, in 1817 to commemorate Wellington's victory at Waterloo, the monument was abandoned before its top could be finished. The original shaft was heightened first with a conical cap in 1853, then with a pyramidion in 1892, before the obelisk as we know it was acquired by the National Trust in 1934.
Over the years, water ingress deteriorated the Wellington Monument all the way to its core. We were appointed to help restore the monument and ensure its safety for the public.
Project Lead
Project Team
- Location Somerset
- Client National Trust
- Completion 2020
Repairing stone by stone
A ground-penetrating radar survey and a wind modelling provided by the University of Southampton helped us understand the structural changes across the stonework and within the ashlar fabric. In collaboration with InskipGee Architects, we produced drawings of each stone in the monument along with its bespoke repair action.
A sturdier fabric for a safer monument
The following works conducted by Sally Strachey Historic Conservation led to the consolidation of the overall masonry, the replacement of the small stones making up the pyramidion to prevent water penetration, and the repair of the internal staircase.
Back to the top
After three years of intensive work, the Wellington Monument was reopened to the public in 2021. Visitors can now climb all the way to the top and admire the views over the Blackdown Hills.
Awards
2022 - Highly Commended Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year, Museums and Heritage Awards
