Plaque on the Lilleshall Monument

Image: © Jeremy Bolwell Taken: 1 Nov 2023

It turns out that this monument, edifice, monolith and obelisk is to a local landowner who became the Duke of Sutherland, one George Leveson Gower. The plaque and monument was funded by his tenants locally in his memory, after his death, in 1833, in thanks for his qualities as a landlord; generosity, fair mindedness, true nobility and a life of selfless service, it would seem. Fair enough I thought. I had never heard of him. Sounds like a good landlord. A full Duke no less. Impressive. Then I google him. An education befitting a gentleman of his age. Born into privilege and rides the hog high all the way... Becomes an MP at a young age. Holds various public offices. Ambassador to France in Paris at the time of the French Revolution. Recalled as totally out of his depth. Inherited massive land holdings, wealth and titles, becoming the richest man in the country for most of his life. Then I see he was responsible for Highland Clearances on his massive Scottish estates, evicting tenant farmers, burning their homes and turning them out as sheep grazing was more profitable than collecting rents from them as tenant farmers. Profits before people. No noblesse oblige. More hideous greed at all costs. He seems to have had the resources to leave a model legacy; leading innovation, conducting himself with unblemished conduct, contributing to national service, sharing his amazing good fortune and advancing the standing of his country, his god and truth. But nope. Already fabulously wealthy, it seems he just craved more obscene wealth. And why are these monuments always so phallic?

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