THE AMMERDOWN COLUMN.—This very costly and elaborate structure, the completion of which has so long been delayed by the fanciful obstructions of legal pedantry, was on Monday last submitted to public examination. The principal visitors who graced the ceremony with their presence were the Marquis of Bath and his brother, Lord Henry Thynne, the Hon. F. Bing, Sir W. Hylton Jolliffe, Bart., the member for Petersfield; Captain Jolliffe, the member for Wells; Captain Scobell, the late member for Bath; Mr. Wait, Captain Knatchbull, Mr. Savage, Major F. Savage, Mr. Davies, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Hurd, Mr. Wickham, and many of the residents in the immediate neighbourhood. Mr. W. Miles, the popular representative of East Somerset, sent a message early in the morning, with a note expressive of his disappointment in being prevented attending in consequence of the severe and very alarming illness of his lady. A plentiful collation, served on massive plate, and comprising the choicest rarities of the season, was prepared at two o’clock, when the chief apartments of the splendid mansion were thrown open. A band of rural musicians welcomed the advance of the numerous party as they were seen in successive carriages emerging from the wood which clothes the sides of the steep ascent that conducts to the lofty eminence where the commemorative pillar is placed. Several of the musical pieces appeared highly to gratify the assembled company, who marked with their approval the revival of certain national airs, which require only to be reheard to regain their former popularity. Of these, ‟Hark the hollow woods resounding” was recognised as peculiarly appropriate. Balloons of considerable diameter, constructed on the Montgolfier principle, were at intervals launched into the air, and ascended to an unusual height, much to the gratification of the varied group of spectators.
Historic England website has a photograph of the Column
