This week Rebecca Pow MP met with the 9th Duke of Wellington, Charles Wellesley, to discuss the campaign to restore the Wellington Monument, including Rebecca’s Parliamentary petition.

The Duke offered his full support to the campaign, recognising the value to the local community and expressed his desire for a full restoration to take place.

During the meeting the Duke explained more about his family’s history and their relationship to both the local area and the Monument itself. He acknowledged the special significance of the structure being one of only 3 memorials constructed to celebrate the Duke of Wellington’s significance as one of our greatest war heroes, and he singled out the uniqueness of the example in Wellington as it is the tallest three sided structure in the world.

The Duke understands the local importance of the Monument and joined Rebecca in calling for the national importance of this iconic landmark to be recognised as well. Both architecturally and historically the value of the Wellington Monument cannot be understated and both Rebecca and the Duke welcome the Statement of Significance from the National Trust to demonstrate this.

Rebecca is also calling for a final push for signatures on her Parliamentary petition that will be presented to the House of Commons on Wednesday 20th July. If anyone requires a copy then please email [email protected]. Petitions need to be sent back to Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG by Friday 15th July 2016.

Rebecca said:

‘It was fascinating to meet with the Duke of Wellington and learn more about his relationship with the Monument. I fully welcome his support for this campaign and it is an honour to have his signature on the petition. I look forward to working closely with him in the future for the good of Wellington and all those who treasure this iconic landmark. I will keep pushing to do everything possible to further the Monument restoration project.’