Until the late 1970s the monument was open to the public and the observation platform could be reached by those with sufficiently
robust lungs by climbing the spiral staircase of 144 steps. I can personally vouch that the view from the top most certainly
made the climb worthwhile. I have heard that on a clear day the tower gives a view of seven counties, I'd have to stop for a
while and work out which ones they were. In recent years parts of the structure have fallen into disrepair and it is no longer
considered safe for the public to enter.
The village of Hawkesbury is in two parts. The lower part, known as Hawkesbury consists of the Church (St Mary's) and a handful
of houses. The much larger upper part is called Hawkesbury Upton. It has a population of about 1200, a thriving village
community and most importantly, two pubs.
Lord Robert Somerset was a career soldier who distinguished himself at the Battle of Waterloo and rose to the rank of
General. He was born in 1776, the elder brother of Lord Raglan. He represented Monmouth and later Gloucester in Parliament.