Britannia Monument

The monument, correctly called the Norfolk Naval Pillar, is in the style of a Doric column topped by six caryatid figures that support a statue of Britannia proudly standing atop a globe inscribed with the motto from Nelson's coat of arms Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat (translates to 'Let him who has merited it take the palm'), she holds an olive branch in her outstretched right hand, a trident in her left and looks inland – said to be towards Nelson's birthplace in Burnham Thorpe in Norfolk.

At the base inscriptions commemorate Nelson's four main victories over Britain's enemies the French and Spanish: On the top plinth are named four of the ships he sailed on for each battle.

On the western face - i.e. inland again - a Latin inscription reads: "This great man Norfolk boasts her own, not only as born there of a respectable family, and as there having received his early education, but her own also in talents, manners and mind."

From the Sea's verge a Column seems to soar, A shaft of silver, on whose summit, wound With golden beams, sits Britain's Image thron'd and crown'd.

And now the Sun sinks deeper, and the clouds, In folds of purple fire, still heavier lour; 'Till sudden Night the shore and Ocean shrouds; But thro' the tempest gleams that stately tow'r, A giant height, on which the Sun-beams show'r Their undiminish'd glories.