Podcast
Questions and Answers
What year was the top section of the monument declared unsafe and taken down?
What year was the top section of the monument declared unsafe and taken down?
What aspect of Sir Thomas Picton's record contributed to the campaign for his monument's removal?
What aspect of Sir Thomas Picton's record contributed to the campaign for his monument's removal?
Who designed the first monument to Sir Thomas Picton in Carmarthen?
Who designed the first monument to Sir Thomas Picton in Carmarthen?
What was the approximate height of the first monument to Sir Thomas Picton in Carmarthen?
What was the approximate height of the first monument to Sir Thomas Picton in Carmarthen?
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Where are the sculptures from the first monument to Sir Thomas Picton now displayed?
Where are the sculptures from the first monument to Sir Thomas Picton now displayed?
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Why was the first monument to Sir Thomas Picton demolished?
Why was the first monument to Sir Thomas Picton demolished?
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Study Notes
Picton Monument, Carmarthen
- Sir Thomas Picton, a Lieutenant General, was the highest-ranking British officer to die at the Battle of Waterloo (1815).
- He was from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, and owned Iscoed in Carmarthenshire at the time of his death.
- An 1828 monument, designed by John Nash and standing at 75 feet (23 meters), echoed Trajan's Column in Rome.
- The monument featured a statue of Picton, reliefs depicting scenes from his life (including the Siege of Badajoz and the Battle of Waterloo), and inscriptions in English and Welsh.
- This initial monument, crafted by Edward Hodges Baily, deteriorated due to Carmarthen's weather and was dismantled in 1846.
Second Monument
- A replacement monument, designed by F Fowler, was erected in 1847.
- It was inscribed with Picton's birthdate (August 24, 1758), death date (June 18, 1815) and battles (Busaco, Badajos, Vittoria, Orthes, Toulouse, Waterloo).
- The monument's top section was declared unsafe and removed in 1984.
- The entire structure was rebuilt.
- The monument is Grade II listed, meaning it has historical significance and is protected.
Controversy and Recent Events
- Picton's reputation is tainted by his role in the Caribbean, including accusations of using torture and mistreating enslaved people.
- Cadw (Wales' historic environment service) acknowledged his culpability in crimes against humanity.
- Following the 2020 removal of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol, there was a campaign to remove Picton monuments in Carmarthen and Cardiff.
- A petition opposing the removal of the Carmarthen monument gained almost 20,000 signatures.
- A counter-petition defended the monument by supporting Picton's patriotism & military accomplishments.
- A cross-party group in Carmarthenshire recommended information boards highlighting Picton's military career alongside his involvement in slavery.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the Picton Monument in Carmarthen, commemorating Sir Thomas Picton, a key figure at the Battle of Waterloo. Explore the details of its construction, historical significance, and the life of Picton. From its initial design to its eventual replacement, this quiz covers all aspects of the monument.
