It is often said that the vast majority of those people lucky enough to live at the seaside take their environment for granted. They hardly ever go onto the beach, hardly ever go for a paddle, and wouldn't dream of building a sandcastle.
More fool them, I say.
But similarly, it can surely be said that the vast majority of those people lucky enough to live in a fine historic town (like Shrewsbury) hardly ever admire the superb buildings, hardly ever explore the history on their doorstep, and probably have little or no knowledge of the town's most famous characters.
For instance, although countless townsfolk walk or drive past Lord Hill's column every day, how many actually know very much about the column, and how many know anything about the man it commemorates?
I know that I myself, as a young student at Shrewsbury College back in the seventies, would pass Lord Hill twice a day with scarcely a thought as to who he was. Being a fashion guru (as I still am today, of course), I was far more interested in flared trousers (and, frankly, rather attractive tank-tops) than I was in obscure blokes stood on top of doric columns.
But in later years, I discovered why this particular bloke was considered to be important. And now, here in 2012, he's back in the news again!
Only last week, conservation experts were busy examining the statue at the top of the column to assess whether it was in need of major repairs. Staff from Taylor Pearce Restoration Services made use of a cherry picker to get a really good look at the splendid fellow who stands proudly atop the structure, surveying Abbey Foregate and the town beyond.
Not for the first time in recent years, the condition of the 17ft statue was under scrutiny.
For much of the year the area around the base of the column has been fenced off after a small piece of masonry plummeted to earth in April. You wouldn't have wanted that landing on your head, now would you?
Anyway, a report will now be prepared for Shropshire Council, detailing whether repairs to the statue are required.
There was a fair old bit of controversy back in the 1990s when a considerable sum of money was spent restoring the statue which (understandably enough) had deteriorated after decades of wind and rain and frost.
And going back a bit further, one of Lord Hill's arms fell off in 1945 and money had to be spent to get him fixed up. Again, a debate raged in the pages of the Shrewsbury Chronicle about whether or not this was to be money well spent when there were so many other pressing priorities.
A poem appeared in the newspaper, ending with these lines:
Has proud Salopia lost her pride,
Has she no honour more,
To leave me to disintegrate,
And broke for ever more.
I cannot think so ill of you,
Salopians, but would fain,
Believe you'll find a sculptor,
To make me whole again.
Indeed - now as then - it is unthinkable (no matter what other pressing priorities there are), that we proud Salopians would allow the good lord to fall to pieces.
Lord Hill's Column not only dominates Abbey Foregate but can also be seen from many other parts of Shrewsbury. Built in 1816 it is undoubtedly one of the town's great landmarks. As such it is up there on the list of structures that make Shrewsbury special, up there alongside the Bear Steps, the Old Market Hall, St Chad's, Wyle Cop, the castle, the library, the Abbey Church, the English Bridge and the Welsh Bridge, St Mary's, St Julian's, St Alkmund's, our gorgeous railway station, Ireland's Mansion and Rowley's House.
In short, it is one of our jewels in the crown.
But who was Lord Hill?
Well, Lord Rowland Hill was an important military officer who fought alongside the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular Wars and at the Battle of Waterloo when his horse was shot from under him.
Remembered now as Shrewsbury's most distinguished soldier, he succeeded Wellington as Commander-in-chief of the army in 1828. His military achievements, combined with his concern for the men under his command, generated respect and affection from the rank-and-file troops. He actually became known as 'Daddy Hill' by the soldiers who acknowledged his kindness.
He died unmarried in December 1842 and is buried at Hadnall.
The fine column, with its four lions around the base, was erected in his memory, and it is said to be (at 133ft, six inches high) the tallest Greek doric column in the world.
Surely it, and the statue on top, is worth spending a few bob on?
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