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The Mariner’s Beacon
The Mariner’s Beacon is located on Column Road, at the summit of Caldy Hill on the Wirral peninsula. It was commissioned by the Trustees of Liverpool Docks, and was unveiled on 16th April 1841 with the foundation stone being laid by John Shaw Leigh Esquire (owner of the land, who also granted the stone for its erection). Its purpose was as a sighting line for vessels entering the Mersey, replacing a windmill that had previously guided mariners coming into the river.
It is a colossal classical Doric column, over 20m tall, made of red sandstone standing on a two stepped square base. It is surmounted by a square capital that is itself capped by a series of blocks that form a neck for a large sandstone orb with a single horizontal carved band. The first step of the base is topped by a more recent iron fence that has been painted black. This prohibits access to the second step and column. A lightning conductor runs the height of the column and base. A rod can be seen at the top of the orb. At the front of the base on the south side is a millstone.
The views from the column are stunning, not just of the River Dee, but also the Welsh hills. In my opinion they are some of the best views in the UK, and without doubt the best time to visit, is on a calm summer’s evening, as the sun sets in the west.
Please bring your own pencil, as you can’t sign the log without one, and if you don’t sign the log you can’t claim a find
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Abar hagvy nsgre SGS