Wellington's Column, Liverpool

Wellington’s Column, one of the most prominent monuments on William Brown Street, is dedicated to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, and was commissioned following his death in 1852.

The monument was created by two Scottish brothers. Andrew Lawson designed the Greek-style column, while his brother George sculpted the statue of Wellington at the top. Construction was delayed several times, and the monument was not finally completed until 1865, becoming one of the last great column monuments erected in Britain.

The column itself rises about 81 feet and was built using stone from quarries at Runcorn and Darley Dale. Look up to the bronze figure of Wellington at the top. The statue faces southeast, roughly in the direction of Belgium and the battlefield of Waterloo, where Wellington achieved his most tremendous victory in 1815. The bronze is traditionally said to have come from the French cannons captured during the battle.

Now, take a closer look around the base of the monument. Here, you'll find brass plaques recording some of Wellington’s major military victories. There is also a relief showing the final charge at the Battle of Waterloo. Details relating to the dimensions and construction of the monument can also be found around the base.

With the statue included, Wellington’s Column reaches nearly 132 feet in height. Its design naturally invites comparisons with Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square in London, although Liverpool’s monument is about 30 feet shorter.

Unfortunately, you can't climb to the top, but the column is still worth stopping for. Its impressive scale, classical design, and prominent position make it an important landmark in Liverpool’s cultural quarter. Being here, you're also surrounded by some of the city's grandest 19th-century buildings, so take a moment to step back and see the monument as part of the wider William Brown Street setting.