S t o w e  G a r d e n s

T h e  2 n d  D u k e 's  O b e l i s k

 

This little Obelisk stands at the top of a hill, under a beech tree, just a short walk across the "Drill field", from the Northern end of the Grecian Valley. It is a monument to the 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. The 2nd duke, along with both his father and his grandfather, were all military men, having great support for the Yeomanry Cavalry of Buckinghamshire. The dukes grandfather died in 1813, and the duke then became the commanding Colonel of the second regiment. After the first and the third regiment were disbanded in 1828, the duke continued to privately sponsor the second regiment. In 1843, the duke went on to transform the nearby Bourbon Tower into a fort, adding the moat, redoubt, and the octagonal turret we can still see today.

After his death, this little monument was erected in his memory, in sight of the Bourbon Tower, by the privates and N.CO's of his second regiment.

On plaques around the monument's four granite sides are the following inscribed words:

To the memory of Colonel the most noble Richard Plantagenet Temple Nugent Brydges Grenville. Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. K.C. C.C.H. P.C.As a mark of respect for him as their Commanding officer and in grateful remembrance of his invariable generosity and kindness to the members of his regiment during forty two years, may he rest in peace.

Below: The little Obelisk under its beech tree.

 

 

 

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