When built (1750 - 1757), it was the tallest column in the land at 194ft, only slightly smaller than Sir Christopher Wren’s Monument in London at 202ft. The column cost approximately £1,000 to build back then, which would be the equivalent of approximately £120,000 today.
This is one of several caches hidden in the grounds of Gibside. Gibside is a Georgian 'grand design' on a spectacular scale, a stunning 18th-century landscape; the vision of coal baron George Bowes. After centuries of decline, Gibside is improving and is now becoming a great place for both wildlife and people (keep an eye out for Red Kites circling in the skies above!).
For more information, visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside