The Original Nelson's Column.

Fort Nelson takes it's name from the monument erected nearby to the memory of Admiral Lord Nelson.
The monument was built in 1807-8, funded by donations of two days pay from all who served at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and from naval prize money.
As well as being a memorial it also provided a useful sea-mark for navigators.
Captain Thomas Fremantle RN (1765-1819) managed the £3,000 fund. His architect John Groves was inspired by the 4th century AD obelisk at Axum, the religious capital of Ethiopia.

All the other Portsdown Hill forts are named after the nearest village or settlement. Fort Nelson is the only exception and therefore enjoys a special connection with this historic monument. A commemorative ceremony is still held here on the 21st of October every year to mark Trafalgar Day.

The Nelson Monument is 28.3 mtrs high (92ft 10.5ins) and stands on the 85mtr (300ft) contour. It is owned and maintained by the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy.

For those interested

Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, central London, was constructed between 1840 and 1843, and was built at a cost of £43,000.

Larger image..........

j.