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.