Scheduled MonumentsEnglandThe Countess Pillar

The Countess Pillar

England
List entry 1007122
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

The Countess Pillar is a seventeenth-century monument located near Penrith in Westmorland, erected in 1656 to commemorate Anne Clifford, Countess of Pembroke. The pillar stands as a stone column topped with a sundial and heraldic ornaments, marking the site where the Countess paused on her journey through the region. It was constructed to record her travels in the North of England and reflects the considerable status and landholdings of one of the most notable female figures of the English Civil War period. The monument remains a rare surviving example of a private commemorative pillar from this era and illustrates the importance of aristocratic display and memory in seventeenth-century England.

The Countess Pillar is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1007122. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is The Countess Pillar?

The Countess Pillar is a seventeenth-century monument located near Penrith in Westmorland, erected in 1656 to commemorate Anne Clifford, Countess of Pembroke. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1007122.

Who is responsible for protecting The Countess Pillar?

The Countess Pillar is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1007122.

What other scheduled monuments are near The Countess Pillar?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Romano-British settlement at Cragside Wood (7.7 km), Moated site and annexe east of Setterahpark Wood (8.3 km), Linear stone bank on Askham Fell (8.8 km).

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