For 157 years it was the most conspicuous object in Dublin and from the top splendid views of the Wicklow Mountains and the Bay of Dublin could be seen, that is if you could climb the 168 steps to its summit.

It was erected to commemorate the transcendent heroic achievements of the Right Honourable Horatio Lord Viscount Nelson, Duke of Bronti in Sicily, Vice Admiral of the White Squadron of His Majesty’s Fleet, who fell gloriously in the Battle of Cape Trafalgar on the 21st day of October 1805.

After many meetings it was decided to build a triumphal pillar with a spiral staircase and a statue of the Great Admiral on top in the city of Dublin, all to be funded by public subscription.

The site selected on Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street) was at the intersection of Henry Street and Earl Street and this came under much criticism and the papers of the day carried strong protests. Many wanted it erected where the O’Connell monument now stands and even Mountjoy Square was mentioned.

On Monday February 15th 1808 in the 48th year of the reign of George the Third, great crowds attended the laying of the foundation stone by Charles Duke of Richmond and Lennox, Lieutenant General and General Governor of Ireland. The streets were lined with military, horse yeomanry, foot soldiers with flags, navy and army in uniform. The Duke and the Lord Mayor arrived in splendid coaches drawn by beautiful horses.

A little after noon, the Duke took a trowel and laid the foundation stone and the bands played Rule Britannia and I am sure our lady readers will be interested in the fact that red was the favourite colour worn by the ladies present. It was said that the city never looked so colourful.

The pillar was completed in August 1809. The architect was Mr Johnston, the statue was by Mr Thomas Kirke. The height of the pillar including the statue was approximately 144ft. from the pavement.

The pillar was of the Doric order of architecture, the statue Portland stone and on Trafalgar Day the pillar was covered with flags and bunting.

On Tuesday March 8th 1966 at 1.32am the top of the pillar was blown up. During its chequered history many efforts had been made to replace the statue with St. Patrick and Eamon de Valera, amongst others. Dublin Corporation wanted it removed altogether.

For thirty four years the giant Christmas tree was erected on the spot where the pillar stood, now occupied by the Spire.

Much to my shame, I have to admit that, in union with many Dubliners, I never made the ascent of the circular column to see the magnificent views of our beloved Dublin.

Today the head of Nelson’s Statue rests in the Old Dublin Society, City Assembly House in South William Street, Dublin 2.

Above: This tram beside Nelson’s Pillar was photographed during a Dublin festival known as ‘An Tostal’ in 1953– thus the number on the tram. Photo by Michael Maguire.

Pictured below is Nelson’s head at the City Assembly House. (This building is currently closed, apparently for renovation).