E  t  c  h  i  l  h  a  m  p  t  o  n






A rather sorry looking lion with a severe case of mange to his tail will be found at the junction of the A342 and the road to Etchilhampton, two miles SW of Devizes. How this poor creature came to be perched on its plinth is told by the plaques that are let into the four sides, sadly only three were left in place on my last visit in Oct 2000.













The monument is five foot square at the base and the two tiers rise eight foot each, making the whole affair around twenty two foot in height.
The purpose of the retaining strap is to hold the three remaining plaques in place, as they show signs of coming away from their backing.




Closeup  

The road originally ran over the hill that is to the left hand side, but thanks to a Mr James Long a new road on a level course was constructed, and this monument ensures that Mr Long is still remembered nearly 250 years later.




( The Capitalization of letters is how the inscription appears )

This Monument
from a generall Sense of Gratitude
was erected to the Memory of
JAMES LONG
Late of Wedhampton
Whose public spirt & Benevolence
which he ever exercised for the service
of Mankind, were remarkably exerted
in planning, promoting, and completing
this New Road
An:Dom:1768
By which
A former tedious & dangerous Way
over the adjacent Hill
is avoided
To the great Pleasure
and convenience of Travellers.

Co-Ords: 402950 159830 / SU 029598  

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