PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
|
|
Devonport Column is located in Monument Street, Devonport. The construction of the Plymouth Dock Town Hall in 1821 was such a momentous event for the Town, and its people so impressed with its design,that it prompted great pride and local patriotism. The people of Plymouth Dock petitioned the King George IV to permit them to change the name of the Town from what was in effect an adjunct to Plymouth to something of importance. Devonport was the chosen name and their wish was granted from January 1st 1824. Naturally that event in itself needed commemorating so the Town's leaders decided to erect a Greek Doric style Column. Mr John Foulston designed both it and the Town Hall. It rested upon a rock that was 23 feet above the level of Ker Street. The base, including the plinth, is 24 feet high. the fluted Column is 11 feet in diameter and rises 65 feet in height to the capital. Above that is the 12 feet high pedestal that was originally to have taken the statue. From street level the Column is thus 124 feet tall. The abacus of the capital is in four stones, each weighing between three and four tons. It was to be paid for by subscription in £20 shares. However, some of the subscribers failed to pay up when the time came and so the statue of the King George IV that should have adorned the top had to be abandoned. (A print of the period incorrectly shows the Column complete with the statue.) Mr Foulston, writing in 1838, commented that: 'Instead of being a trophy, recording the honours which belong to a high sounding name, it is likely to remain a memorial of the neglect and injustice with which the indigent widow of the builder and others have been treated ...' The original contract for the construction amounted to £2,750. The foundation stone was laid on August 12th 1824, the King's birthday, by Mr Richard Rodd, the Town Clerk. Under the stone Mr William Glencross placed a bottle containing current coins, a Devonport medal and Foulston's drawing of the Column. It was covered by a Mr Ramsey with a brass plaque engraved by a Mr G Banks with the words: Devonport Column Foundation Stone, 5th George IV, 1824. ~ This Foundation Stone of a Column Dedicated to His Majesty King George IV to be Erected by public subscription, in commemoration of his most gracious condescension, was laid by Richard Rodd, Esq., Town Clerk, August 12th 1824, on a spot of ground appropriated by Sir John St Aubyn, Bart, Lord of the Manor. John Foulston, Architect. ~
View from Devonport Column
looking north-west The Devonport Column was built by Mr John Lipscombe Rickard, a local builder, whose great-great-granddaughter, Mrs Elizabeth A D Middleton of Yelverton, Devon, recalled that he was vastly out of pocket due to his public-spirited gesture of finishing the Column before payment was made. She stated that the Column was completed on May 25th 1827. A replica in silver gilt was made and presented to HRH the Duke of Clarence, who was regarded as 'the real author of the concession'. Owing to the fact that the builder remained the owner because of the failure to pay him for his work, the Column was inherited by his widow, Mary, and their six children when he died on August 7th 1831. The eldest child was Eliza, who married Mr James Harris, of Treville Street, Plymouth. When she died on December 16th 1884 ownership passed to the surviving children, Mr Charles James Harris, Mr Henry Hamilton Harris and Mrs Harriett Butler. At that time Devonport Corporation were flexing their muscles a bit and were trying to acquire the Town Hall and Corporation offices from the landowner, the St Aubyn family. In October 1885 the Harris's asked for £350 but the Mayor was authorised to only offer them £250. Eventually, on March 25th 1887, George, Henry and Harriett, with Harriett's husband, Mr George Russell Butler, sold it to Devonport Corporation for the sum of £300. There were 138 granite steps leading up to the gallery and the charge in 1830 for entry to the top was one shilling (5p). One wonders just how popular a place it was given that a person was on hand to admit strangers. Within 50 years to charge had dropped to three pence, payable to an attendant who lived close to the entrance gate. In stormy weather a flag was hoisted as a warning to watermen, during which they could charge an additional fee. It was held by the military authorities (possibly during the Great War only) as it was given up by them from September 1st 1920. The Devonport mayoral chain held a medal that was struck upon which was engraved: ~ In grateful commemoration of his most gracious Majesty George IV, who conferred upon the town formerly known as Plymouth Dock the name of Devonport. AD 1824 ~
View from Devonport Column
looking north-east, 1955,
View from Devonport Column,
looking east, down
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)