NHER 39802 (Building record) - The Obelisk

The Norfolk Heritage Explorer is a filtered version of the Norfolk HER intended for casual research. Please to consult the full record.

See also further .

Summary

A limestone obelisk erected in 1729 by William Kent, the first structure to be built within the park. The obelisk stands at the highest point of the park, and is the central point on the avenue leading from the Triumphal Arch, NHER 39812, to the Hall, NHER 1801. Together with the Temple, NHER 39803, it is the only example of Kent's work in the park that survives.

Protected Status/Designation

Location

Map sheet TF84SE
Civil Parish HOLKHAM, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

Obelisk, erected 1729 on the highest point of the estate, the first structure to be built within the park. It was at this time at the south end of the axis, but later became a central point on the avenue from the Triumphal Arch to the Hall. It is one of the only two structures by Kent to survive in the park. It is 24.4m (80 feet) high but appears squat. It is composed of vermiculated and rusticated stone panels on a plinth of swastikae; this casing was erected first and then filled with loose bricks and gravel as it rose (S1). [1] has found mentions in Holkham Archives to the stone being shipped from Bristol to Wells, and drawn to Holkham with ropes made in the ropewalk at Westward House, Wells, by a Mr Hudson.
See (S2) in file.
E. Rose (NLA), 29 April 2003.

Previously NHER 1802 context 3.

  • --- Designation: Historic England. National Heritage List for England. List Entry 1170847.
  • --- Monograph: Pevsner, N and Wilson, B. 1999. Norfolk 2: North-West and South. The Buildings of England. 2nd Edition. p 421.
  • --- Oblique Aerial Photograph: Edwards, D.A.. TF 8841A-B.
  • --- Secondary File: Secondary File.
  • <S1> Monograph: Cromwell, T. and Cotman, J. S. 1818-1819. Excursions through Norfolk.
  • <S2> Photograph: Edwards, D.A.. 1988. ELL 1-2.

Object Types (0)

Record last edited

Feb 18 2025 2:12PM

Comments and Feedback

Your feedback is welcome; if you can provide any new information about this record, please contact the Norfolk Historic Environment Record.