Ready for takeoff! Get ready to soar into the history of Keppel's Column, a stunning 115-foot tower located between Wentworth and Kimberworth in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England. If you're a drone enthusiast, there's no better way to get a bird's eye view of this Grade II* listed building and the surrounding Wentworth Woodhouse park.
Built in the late 18th century, Keppel's Column was constructed to commemorate the acquittal of the court-martialled Admiral Augustus Keppel after the Battle of Ushant. Commissioned by Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, and designed by John Carr, the column was initially intended to be a landscape feature composed of a pedestal surmounted by an obelisk. However, at some point, the design changed to a tall column, making it one of several follies in and around Wentworth Woodhouse park, including Hoober Stand and Needle's Eye.
Despite funding problems that reduced the height of the column, it remains a towering presence on a prominent hill on the southern extent of the Wentworth Estates. The hill rises more than 480 ft (150 m) above mean sea level and is one of the highest hills in the Borough of Rotherham, second only to the hill on which Hoober Stand is located. The column features an internal spiral staircase that leads to stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a popular destination for adventurous visitors.
After being closed to the public since the 1960s due to safety concerns, Keppel's Column underwent a major restoration project and was reopened to the public in September 2022. Now, visitors can get up close and personal with the column on the public footpath running from Admiral's Crest in Scholes.
And there's even more good news! In October 2021, Keppel's Column was one of 142 sites across England to receive part of a £35-million grant from the government's Culture Recovery Fund, ensuring that this incredible piece of history will continue to inspire visitors for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your drone and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Keppel's Column!
Interesting facts about Kepple's column in Rotherham (Some even true!)
- It was built in 1773-1780 to commemorate the acquittal of Admiral Augustus Keppel at a court-martial in 1779.
- The column is 115 feet (35 meters) tall and made of limestone and sandstone.
- It has 221 steps leading to the top, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Keppel's Column is a Grade II* listed building, which means it is of special architectural or historic interest.
- The column is located in Wentworth Woodhouse Park, one of the largest private parks in the United Kingdom.
- Keppel's Column is a popular tourist destination and is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
- Admission to the column is free.
In addition to its historical significance, Keppel's Column is also a source of many entertaining stories. One story tells of a time when a group of local children decided to climb the column at night. They made it to the top safely, but when they tried to climb down, they found that they had forgotten how they had gotten up. They were stranded on the column for several hours before they were finally rescued.
Another story tells of a time when a group of soldiers were stationed near Keppel's Column during the Napoleonic Wars. The soldiers were bored and decided to play a prank on the locals. They dressed up as ghosts and climbed the column at night. When the locals woke up the next morning, they were terrified to see the ghosts standing on the column.
Photos
Here are a few of the photos that I took on the day
My Drone Adventure video of Kepple's Column
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