Sir John Barrow Monument

The Sir John Barrow Monument is Ulverston's most recognisable landmark. It can be seen from many miles and has become a symbol for the town it stands guard over. It was built in 1850 as a memorial to Sir John on the 430 ft high summit of Hoad Hill where it commands superb views over Morecambe Bay and the mountains of the Lake District and Pennines.
The Sir John Barrow Monument as it is correctly called, has been known by various names over the years, including The Lighthouse without a Light, The Guardian Angel of Ulverston, The Pepper Pot and is more familiarly known today as The Hoad Monument.
Sited approximately one mile from Morecambe Bay, the Monument at 100 ft high. It is built of limestone quarried from nearby Birkrigg Common. It was modelled on the Eddystone Lighthouse that was built in 1759 by John Smeaton. The Monument has an internal spiral staircase of 112 narrow steps leading to the lantern chamber. Until recently this chamber, which has never had a functional light, was open to all sides but it is now fully glazed. Sir John Barrow's two sons, Sir George Barrow and John Barrow laid the foundation stone on 15th May 1850. This was undoubtedly a memorable day in Ulverston's long history, when 8,000 citizens climbed Hoad Hill for the ceremony.
"I shall never forget the laying of that stone - all Ulverston and neighbourhood turned out. There was a military band from Preston, in full uniform beside the local town band....." Robert Casson, writing in 1889, on the laying of the foundation stone of the Sir John Barrow Monument.