Keppel's Column, Rotherham, South Yorkshire - UK Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

This is a monument to Admiral Keppel on which was originally the Wentworth Estate, by Charles, 2nd Marquis of Rockinham. The information plaque displays the history of this monument, the text shown below.

"Keppel's Column

Keppel's Column is located at what was the southern edge of
the Wentworth Estate and was built for Charles, 2nd Marquis of
Rockingham (1730-82)

Its architect was John Carr (1723-1807) who designed many of
the estate buildings as well as Clifton House (now Clifton Park
Museum) in Rotherham.

The column was built between 1773 and 1781. It is modelled on
the Roman Tuscan style of column and stands 41.5 metres high,
including the cap and base with a diameter of 5.2 metres. The
woodland of nearby Scholes Coppice originally extended up to
its base.

The design changed during construction which finally meant the
the Column was about 15 metres shorter than planned. The sides of
columns use an optical illusion. Straight sides do not look
straight to the eye, so columns have an entasis (precise curve) to
appear straight. This entasis was calculated for a taller column
which its sides appear to bulge outwards.

The Column is a monument to Admiral Keppel (1725-86), who
was a close friend of Rockingham. Keppel had been court
marshalled on unproven charges of misconduct and neglect of
duty. He became a hero after his acquittal in 1779 and later High
Lord of the Admirality"

There is a large open area of grassland, with public footpaths, behind the monument. It is popular with walkers and has a couple of geocaches in the vinicity.

Type of Historic Marker: Column with seperate information plaque Age/Event Date: 01/01/1781 Related Website: [Web Link] Give your Rating: Historical Marker Issuing Authority: Not listed

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