We saw the Sir John Barrow Monument most days when we were on holiday in the Lake District. It was easily visible from the closest supermarket to us, unless the clouds had closed in. So, on our first full day there in torrential downpour, Mum and I decided to climb up to it.

Who was Sir John Barrow?

Sir John Barrow is a rather controversial figure between historians with some claiming that he was an instrument of imperialism, while others claim that he was a humanitarian who wanted rights for South Africans.

He was born in Ulverston in 1764, which is why the Sir John Barrow Monument was built there in 1850, two years after his death.

Sir John Barrow is largely remembered for his career as Second Secretary to the Admiralty from 1804-1845. It was actually while he was holding this title that the role was made a non-partisan position and renamed the Permanent Secretary.

The Many Names of the Sir John Barrow Monument

While this monument is officially known as the Sir John Barrow Monument, there are several other names that it is known as.

Hoad Monument is possibly the most common, because it is in relation to its location (on Hoad Hill). For this reason, it is also referred to as simply “Hoad”.

Another colloquial name for the monument is The Pepper Pot. If you were ever to see the Sir John Barrow Monument this would make more sense as along with its similarity to a lighthouse, this monument also resembles a pepper pot.

The Sir John Barrow Monument Itself

This 450 ft monument was built in 1850 out of limestone from a nearby quarry. As mentioned before, the location was due to Ulverston being his hometown, in fact it was Sir John Barrow’s sons who lay the foundation stone during a ceremony in May 1860.

While the monument was modelled after the Eddystone Lighthouse, making it look a lot like a lighthouse, it has never been used as one.

The Sir John Barrow Monument has 112 steps leading up to what would have been the lantern chamber had this been a working lighthouse. Although at one time members of the public weren’t allowed to climb up there as the steps had become too dangerous.

Walking Up to the Sir John Barrow Monument

Mum and I walked up to the monument on our first full day in the Lake District. As I mentioned it was pouring with rain, although it wasn’t bad the whole time it kept starting and stopping, but by the end of our walk we were soaked through.

While this wasn’t our most challenging climb, it was fairly steep and there isn’t necessarily a designated footpath the whole way up. It isn’t a vary long walk either, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you have mobility issues.

Conclusion

I enjoyed this walk even if we got soaked and couldn’t actually enter the monument (its only open certain days and times, so do pay attention before you go!). It was a lovely view when the weather cleared for a while when we were nearing the top. It was also nice to see it pretty much every day of the holiday and know that we’d climbed up there.