Nelson's Monument, Great Yarmouth

Nelson's Monument, also known as the Norfolk Naval Pillar or Britannia Monument, stands on South Denes in Great Yarmouth and predates the more famous column in Trafalgar Square by more than thirty years. Completed in 1819 to a design by William Wilkins, the fluted Doric column rises 144 feet and is topped by a figure of Britannia holding an olive branch and a trident, gazing inland towards Nelson's birthplace at Burnham Thorpe rather than out to sea.

The monument was funded by public subscription across Norfolk to commemorate the county's most celebrated son, Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, following his death at Trafalgar in 1805. Six caryatid figures around the base represent Nelson's principal victories, and the plinth carries the names of his flagships including the Victory, the Vanguard and the Elephant. A narrow internal spiral staircase of 217 steps leads to a viewing platform beneath Britannia's feet.

The column stands on what was once open dune land south of the town, now surrounded by industrial estate and the modern port. On open days run by the Nelson Museum and volunteer trustees, visitors can climb the stairs for wide views over the harbour mouth, the beach and out across the North Sea. It's a short walk or drive south from the seafront and Pleasure Beach.