Have you ever wondered about the telescope-like structure gracing Calton Hill? It’s the Nelson Monument. This iconic tower commemorates Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. He led the British to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson tragically died in that very battle.
The Nelson Monument was built between 1807 and 1816. Edinburgh citizens funded it through public subscription. Architect Robert Burn designed it. His design resembled an upturned telescope. It was a fitting tribute to a famous naval commander.
Nasmyth’s initial pagoda-like design proved too expensive. So Burn’s telescope idea was chosen. Construction faced money problems and Burn died in 1815 before it was finished. Thomas Bonnar completed the base’s pentagonal castellated building between 1814 and 1816.
Originally, the Nelson Monument was intended as a signal mast. Sailors were meant to be stationed here. They would signal ships in the Forth. But by 1820, the ground floor rooms became a tea room. Soon after that, the rooms housed the monument’s caretaker.
Climb the 143 steps to the viewing gallery. The Nelson Monument stands 32 metres tall. From the top, you’ll witness panoramic views of Edinburgh. You can see the Queensferry Crossing to the west. Berwick Law and the Bass Rock are visible to the east. Fife stretches to the north. The Pentland Hills and Scottish Borders lie to the south.
Look closely at the base. A plaque honors Nelson. It speaks of his noble example. It urges citizens to emulate him. It reminds them to die for their country if duty calls. Above the plaque is a carving. It depicts the San Josef. Nelson captured this ship at the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797.
Notice the time ball at the top. This was installed in 1853. It helped ships in Leith harbour set their chronometers. Charles Piazzi Smyth, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, proposed the time ball. The adjacent City Observatory originally triggered it.
At precisely 1 p.m., the time ball drops. This signals the correct time to ships. In 1861, Edinburgh Castle added the One O’Clock Gun. This provided an audible signal when fog obscured the time ball. The time ball mechanism was made by Maudslay, Sons & Field. They also made the Greenwich Observatory time ball.
Naval flags fly from the Nelson Monument every Trafalgar Day, October 21st. They display Nelson’s famous message. It says “England expects that every man will do his duty.”
In 2009, the monument was fully restored. The stonework and metalwork were repaired. The time ball, damaged in 2007, was also restored. Now, the mechanism is operated manually, based on the firing of the One O’Clock Gun. So, as you stand here, remember Nelson’s legacy. The Nelson Monument is a tribute to his courage. It is also a testament to Edinburgh’s history.