A finely engraved and attractive early 19th century view of Dunston Pillar, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire which appeared in Thomas Allen’s History of Lincolnshire (London & Lincoln: John Saunders, 1834-1836).
Dunston Pillar is one of Lincolnshire’s most interesting and unusual landmarks. It was originally built in 1751 by Sir Francis Dashwood to serve as a ‘land lighthouse’ as the area around Dunston had been a notorious black spot at night for highwaymen (some of the robberies are believed to have been carried out by Dick Turpin). Standing 30m in height (90ft), the pillar was adorned with a lantern which was, until 1788, lit regularly. Improvements in the local road system however, eventually rendered the pillar obsolete; nevertheless, it had, with its surrounding landscape garden, become a popular place for picnics, tea parties and other social activities.
In 1810, two years after the lantern was destroyed in a storm, a statue of George III was placed atop (as seen in the engraving) to commemorate his Golden Jubilee. In 1940, however, the pillar was considered a hazard to low flying aircraft from nearby RAF Coleby Grange and was lowered by 10m with the statue being removed and partly broken up; the surviving bust is now on display at Lincoln Castle.
- This is an original steel engraving with later hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 10.4cms by 16.7cms (including title & imprint).
- The engraving is in very good condition with decent margins. Click on image for a better view.
- The item comes displayed in a ready to frame acid free mount.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 175 years old.
