Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London is one of the most famous landmarks in the capital.  However, there is a second and less well-known column that celebrates this Norfolk man’s navel successes.   East of London in the Norfolk seaside town of Gt Yarmouth is the Norfolk Naval Pillar.  You could say it’s rather hidden sitting as it does south of the main town in a rather industrial landscape.  However, as it’s 144 ft (44 m) high, you can hardly say it’s hidden.  In comparison, the monument in Trafalgar Square is 169 ft (52 m) high.  When the Norfolk Pillar was built it was in the centre of a racecourse surrounded by sand dunes.  Developments have since surrounded the monument.

The monument is in the style of a Doric column topped by six caryatid figures supporting a statue of Britannia, who stands proudly atop a globe that is inscribed with the motto from Nelson’s coat of arms Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat (translated to ‘Let him who has merited it take the palm’).  In one hand she holds an olive branch and a trident in the other.  The monument is open to the public on a limited basis.

Nelson often visited Gt Yarmouth, the most memorable was in 1800, when following an overland journey across Europe. Nelson arrived in the town complete with his lover Emma, Lady Hamilton, and her husband.  Nelson received a very enthusiastic welcome, boats flew flags and pennants and people waved and cheered. He appeared on the balcony of an inn with Lady Hamilton and receiving more loud applause and cheers from the crowds. Nelson told the throng ‘I am a Norfolk man, and glory in being so’. Nelson was also given the Freedom of the Borough. The Norfolk Naval Pillar was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson who was eventually killed in the Battle of Trafalgar, but even so victory was gained over the French fleet.  The first custodian of the monument was former Able Seaman James Sharman, an actual member of the crew of HMS Victory from Norfolk and one of those who carried Nelson below decks after he was shot.