Memorial Title

Wellington's Monument

Summary

Derbyshire War Memorials: a description of a Napoleanic Wars memorial cross on Blackstone Edge, Derbyshire commemorating the Duke of Wellington.

Images

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Further images may be available on request.

Locations

Last known location:
Blackstone Edge
Sheffield Rd (A621)
Baslow
Derbyshire

Nearest postcode:
DE45 1PR

NGR:
SK 26421 73684 ±5m
(Map opens in new window.)

Location details:
The monument is on access land on rugged moorland at the southern end of Blackstone Edge, about 500m northwest of Sheffield Rd but is best approached from Bar Rd.

Type

Overall type: Cross

Overall condition: Fair. Most of the inscription is legible.

Description:

A robust gritstone ashlar cross on a square gritstone base set on a natural rock. The inscription is incised in upright capital lettering on the 6 o'clock arms of the cross and on the 6 o'clock face of the base, although the latter is somewhat enigmatic.

Glossary

Components:

Component	Material	Height	Width	Depth	Condition
Cross	Gritstone	c2300	600	610	Fair
Base	Gritstone	230	700	710	Fair
Base	Sandstone	800	2135	1675	Fair
Dimensions in millimetres ±5mm unless stated otherwise.

Inscription

6 o'clock face of cross:	BORN 1769.	WELLINGTON	DIED 1852
	ERECTED 1866 BY E. M. WRENCH LATE [34] REGT

6 o'clock face of base:	[TR] D. L. H. [RCF] [B. ]17. II. 18. I D. _ 4. 1 _

[Some lettering difficult to read.]

Conflicts and people named:
Conflict	NapoleonicWars (1803-1815)	Totals
Action or event	Not stated
Number died	0	0
Number served and returned	1	1
Total names	1	1

Administration

Custodian: Not known.

Local authorities:
From 1866: Curbar Parish Council; High Peak Hundred.
From 1889: Curbar Parish Council; High Peak Hundred; Derbyshire County Council.
From 1894: Curbar Parish Council; Bakewell Rural District Council; Derbyshire County Council.
From 1974: Curbar Parish Council; Derbyshire Dales District Council; Derbyshire County Council.

History and Conservation

1866: The cross was provided by Lt Col Dr E M Wrench of Baslow.

18th September 2008: The memorial was surveyed by Roy Branson and Alan Willmot. It was in fair condition.

References

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Comments

The memorial commemorates Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, and his military achievements and was provided to complement Nelson’s Monument on Birchen Edge two kilometres to the east. Although the two may have been intervisible when constructed, Wellington’s Monument is now surrounded by trees and bushes and is only visible from close range.

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