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Nelson’s Column - Great Yarmouth

Conservation of famous Norfolk landmark

Nelson’s Column in Great Yarmouth was designed by William Wilkins and is known to the townsfolk as the Norfolk Pillar. It was erected in 1819 and stands 144 feet high and is hollow with a 217 stepped spiral stair inside. The column was conceived during Nelson’s lifetime and was originally intended as a memorial to Nelson’s victories at The Nile, but progress was slow and Nelson’s death changed its original purpose.

Nimbus have been appointed to carry out the conservation work for completion in time for the bicentenary of Nelson’s death in October 2005. The work encompasses a complete survey of the monument with the main body of the work being the re-pointing of decayed mortar joints, together with an element of cleaning and rendering in lime putty. Along with the work on the column, pedestal and plinth the surrounding boundary wall and railings are to be replaced in new stone and wrought iron. The electrical and drainage systems are to be upgraded to comply with modern standards but there is no intention to open the monument for public access.

Client: Norfolk County Council (with HLF funding)
Architect: Purcell Miller Triton