Hereford’s historic Nelson Monument is set to receive a make-over thanks to Herefordshire Council and the generosity of a private benefactor.
The monument has suffered from general wear and tear over the years and the Council has been aware for some time that the monument is in need of repair.
In view of the Trafalgar Day bi-centenary the Council has secured limited funding and hopes to complete the works in time for the celebrations on October 21.
The restoration works to the monument will be concentrated on its base.
All materials and methods used will be in sympathy with the monuments original construction.
The rectangular base and buttresses of the monument, formed mainly from Bath stone will be cleaned to remove all lichen, moss, dirt and some small areas of graffiti.
A missing stone from the south face of the base will be replaced with new Bath stone and damaged areas of earlier rendered repairs will be replaced using a bath stone mortar.
Photographic records of the monument revealed that it used to have a cannon at each corner and railings around the base.
Two cannons will be re-instated on the south side of the column and railings will be erected around the base of the monument.
The railings will be approximately 1.5m high, set on a reconstituted Bath stone dwarf plinth wall, they will be painted an appropriate “Trafalgar Blue”.
They will replicate the railings at the western end of Castle Pool. There will also be a set of gates to allow for access and maintenance.
English Heritage has given approval for this work on a scheduled ancient monument.
“I’m delighted that we’ve managed to secure some funding to restore the monument’s base to its former glory in time to celebrate the Trafalgar Day bi-centenary,” said Cllr Roger Phillips, Leader of Herefordshire Council.
“The monument is an important part of our heritage and the Council is proud to be playing a part in protecting it,” he added.