Rodney’s Pillar shocker as structure has to be demolished

Rodney’s Pillar is set to be demolished, after the company tasked with carrying out repair work found that it was in a far worse condition than previously stated.

Contractors working on behalf of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) had started work on repairing the local landmark earlier this year, but a recent survey has found that the condition of the pillar was much more unstable than initial surveys had shown.

It means that the current structure will need to be demolished, with NRW pledging to rebuild a new pillar.

Rodney’s Pillar is a grade II* Listed Building and is also a Scheduled Monument, given its location within the boundaries of a scheduled Iron Age hillfort.

NRW have been consulting with CADW – the Welsh Government’s historic environment service - throughout the project and said it will continue to do so, to ensure the work will be carried out sympathetically.

They have promised that the monument will be rebuilt in a way that faithfully reflects the original structure.

The condition of the structure was so unstable, that work has stopped on the site so as not to risk the safety of workers and to allow for new plans to be made.

Ruairi Barry, NRW’s Project Manager said: “We know how important Rodney’s Pillar is to the communities surrounding it, and that some may be unhappy about dismantling and rebuilding the structure.

“We came to this decision only after planned investigations gave a better understanding of the structural problems the pillar faces. The condition is such that it is beyond repair.

“As a listed structure, the pillar has a high level of protection and cannot simply be demolished. We will abide by the requirements of its heritage protections, and we will ensure it is rebuilt sympathetically.”

Bill Lee, Chairman of the Save Rodney’s Pillar Trust said: “NRW has updated our trustees on the findings of the recent survey, and we will continue to work closely with them to help in any way that we can to ensure that the pillar is rebuilt and is there for many generations to come.

“We want the pillar remain a popular place to visit and to be an important piece of local history.”

NRW said that its specialist team is working with CADW and other stakeholders to find the best way to carry out the necessary work. The pillar will remain closed off to ensure public safety.

The organisation added that a timescale for the work cannot be offered at this time, as the revised plans are still being prepared. It has also not added a projected cost for the rebuild.

What is Rodney's Pillar?

Admiral Rodney's Pillar was built on Breidden Hill in 1782 to commemorate the naval victories of Sir George Brydges Rodney, Admiral of the White during the American War of Independence.

The pillar is of local stone, 54 feet (16 m) high, and topped with a drum and finial, which replaced the original gilded ball after a lightning strike in 1847. A granite panel states that it was erected by the “Gentlemen of Montgomeryshire” to commemorate the naval successes of Admiral Rodney including the Battle of the Saints.

It is believed that ships from the fleet were constructed from Oak delivered from Montgomeryshire.

IMAGE: courtesy of Rob Maclennan.