The Column in Shrewsbury
Essential repair work is set to be carried out this year to the statue of Lord Hill, which stands on top of The Column, located at the junction of London Road and Abbey Foregate in Shrewsbury.
In recent times, the base of The Column has been temporarily cordoned off and visitor access restricted due to safety concerns regarding the condition of the statue. During this period ongoing inspection and monitoring have been carried out to determine the extent of remedial works required.
Shropshire Council is working with conservation stakeholders, including Historic England, on the remedial element and ensuring conservation heritage is preserved for future generations. The statue in particular has had a number of previous significant repairs and Shropshire Council is now seeking long-term support to replace it, which involves a number of complex considerations.
In the immediate future, Shropshire Council is looking to carry out the significant remedial repair work to the statue, which is anticipated to begin in the summer/autumn of 2025. The council will ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding area during the work, and the local community is thanked in advance for its support and understanding while these vital repairs are carried out to preserve the Lord Hill statue.
Over the past ten years the Friends of Lord Hill’s Column group has acted on behalf of Shropshire Council in opening The Column to the public on scheduled days in summer, which has proved highly popular.
The Column was built between 1814 and 1816 and received it’s designation of Grade II* Listing in 1953. It is the tallest free standing Doric column in England and is a key focal point within Shropshire.
