The Hopetoun Monument is a monument in the Garleton Hills, near Camptoun, East Lothian, Scotland. It is 95 feet (29 m) tall and is situated on Byres Hill near Haddington.

Hopetoun Monument
Map
55°58′41″N 2°48′10″W / 55.977969°N 2.802804°W / 55.977969; -2.802804
LocationGarleton Hills, East Lothian, Scotland
DesignerWilliam Burn
Typetower
Height95 ft (29 m)
Completion date1824
Dedicated toJohn Hope
Listed Building – Category B
Designated5 February 1971
Reference no.LB10831

History edit

The monument was erected in 1824 in memory of John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun (1765–1823).[1] The foundation stone was laid on May 3, 1824. There is an inscription on the monument which states:

"This monument was erected to the memory of the Great and Good John, Fourth Earl of Hopetoun by his affectionate and grateful tenantry in East Lothian. MDCCCXXIV"[1]

The monument is often referred to as the Garleton Monument or the "Galla Monument" by locals, after Garleton Farm on Byres Hill.

Features edit

 
The Hopetoun Monument on Byres Hill

The viewing platform at the top is reached by 132 steps of a dark, narrow, spiral staircase, and offers views of the Firth of Forth and the surrounding countryside. The monument is a category B listed building.[1] A path runs from a small car park at the base of the hill, winding up steeply through wooded slopes, and a corridor of gorse, before coming out onto the open hilltop. The views can be superb: The Firth of Forth and Fife; Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills to the west; and The Lammermuir Hills to the South. On a clear day, it is even possible to glimpse the Cairngorms far away to the North.

A similar monument to the 4th Earl of Hopetoun stands on Mount Hill near Cupar in Fife, and was built in 1826.[2]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Historic Environment Scotland. "HOPETOUN MONUMENT (Category B Listed Building) (LB10831)". Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  2. ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "MOUNT HILL, HOPETOUN MONUMENT (TO SIR JOHN HOPE OF OVER RANKEILOUR) (Category B Listed Building) (LB17428)". Retrieved 20 December 2018.

External links edit

  Media related to Hopetoun Monument, East Lothian at Wikimedia Commons