Edgar George Wilson Obelisk

“A monument to a hero?” a woman whispered, her gaze fixed on the Edgar George Wilson Obelisk. “There must be a tale behind it.” There is indeed a powerful tale behind this memorial. The Edgar George Wilson Obelisk stands proudly on the Thames towpath, near Osney and Folly Bridge. It serves as a poignant reminder of a selfless act. Edgar George Wilson, a young man of only 21, sacrificed his own life to save two boys from drowning on June 15, 1889. The obelisk, erected by public subscription and unveiled on November 7 of the same year, bears a touching inscription detailing his bravery. Edgar, an assistant to a chemist on Cornmarket Street, was walking home via the riverside path when he saw Christopher Green (9) and Thomas Hazell (10) struggling in the water near Boney’s Bridge. Despite being a weak swimmer himself, Edgar jumped in fully clothed. The boys survived, but tragically, Edgar did not. It’s thought his arm became entangled in their fishing lines. The city of Oxford mourned their hero. The memorial was erected through contributions from about 2,000 Oxford citizens, a testament to the impact of Edgar’s courage. Even 120 years later, in 2009, flowers were laid at the obelisk, a sign that Edgar’s sacrifice was not forgotten. The Edgar George Wilson Obelisk serves as more than just a memorial. It represents the spirit of selflessness and courage, a reminder that even in the face of danger, ordinary people are capable of extraordinary acts.