The Chalk ridge running to the East of
the Needles rises from the sea almost 150 metres, exposing great white
cliffs. This highland is called High Down and the monument built on the
summit was built in memory of the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.
The cross is of Celtic design and the
inscription reads
|
IN MEMORY
OF ALFRED LORD TENNYSON
THIS CROSS
IS RAISED A BEACON TO SAILORS BY THE PEOPLE OF FRESHWATER & OTHER FRIENDS
IN ENGLAND AND AMERICA
|
Tennyson used to walk this down daily after
he moved into nearby Farringford house .The hill formed part of the Farringford
Estate and after Tennyson's death his son left the down to the National
Trust. Perhaps the biggest monument to the poet is common practice
of naming of the hill Tennyson Down.
Tennyson was a prolific, varied and very
popular writer. He was immensely popular in the victorian times with his
romantic, idealistic and sometimes patriotic works.
|
TeamManley