Admiral Rodney's Pillar

Admiral Rodney's Pillar (Welsh: Pilar Rodney) is a monument on Breidden Hill in Powys, Wales. It was built in 1781–82 to commemorate the naval victories of Sir George Brydges Rodney, Admiral of the White during the American War of Independence.[1] The pillar is of local stone, 54 feet (16 m) high, and topped with a drum and finial, which replaced the original gilded ball after a lightning strike in 1847.[1][2] A granite panel states that it was erected by the "Gentlemen of Montgomeryshire" to commemorate the naval successes of Admiral Rodney including the Battle of the Saints. The pillar is a conspicuous landmark around the Upper Severn Valley and is a Grade II* listed building.[1]

Admiral Rodney's Pillar
Rodney's Pillar on Breidden Hill
TypeMonument
LocationPowys, Wales
Coordinates52.7228°N 3.0451°W / 52.7228; -3.0451
OS grid referenceSJ 2951 1441
Built1781–82
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameAdmiral Rodney's Pillar
Designated26 October 1953
Reference no.7667
CommunityBausley with Criggion
Location of Admiral Rodney's Pillar in Powys

An inscription in Welsh, which had disappeared by 1890, translated as "RODNEY'S PILLAR. The highest pillar will fall, the strongest towers will decay: but the fame of Sir George Brydges Rodney shall increase continually, and his good name shall never be obliterated."[1][2]

Access to the monument was restricted to tourists in March 2020 as a result of UK Government guidelines following the COVID-19 pandemic.[3][4]

Conservation

In the 21st century the monument was reported to be in need of restoration work.[5] By late 2019, cracks had appeared in the monument and a copper lightning conductor had been stolen from its top. Restoration work was valued at £160,000.[6]

A charity group 'Save Rodney's Pillar' was formed with the purpose of raising funds to aid in the restoration of the monument. The charity estimated that up to £200,000 was needed in order to restore and preserve the monument.[7]

See also

References
  1. "Admiral Rodney's Pillar". Statutory List of Buildings. Cadw. 29 December 1994 [Listed 1953]. Cadw Building ID 7667. Retrieved 2 May 2016 – via Historic Wales.
  2. Gregory, T (1824). The History and Antiquities of Shrewsbury. p. 255.
  3. "Campaign group confirms Rodney's Pillar is closed to the public". County Times. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  4. Austin, Sue. "Rodney's Pillar out of bounds". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  5. "Work to repair". Shropshire Star. 2018.
  6. "Rodney's Pillar: 'Huge amount' needed to save landmark". BBC. 24 September 2019.
  7. "Save Rodney's Pillar". Save Rodney's Pillar. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
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