Nelson Tower

Nelson Tower in Forres was the first monument to be raised in Britain in honour of Lord Nelson and the triumph at Trafalgar.

The following announcement was proclaimed in Forres -

“It is proposed to erect, by subscription, on the summit of the Cluny Hills, near Forres, a tower of which a plan, furnished gratuitously by Mr. Charles Stuart, architect at Darnaway, is herewith laid before the publick.”

Designed as ‘A monument to departed heroism’, the tower also formed a unique and early tourist attraction…

“Exclusive of answering the intended purpose, it will form a most agreeable object to every traveller and the country at large, an useful sea beacon, an excellent observatory, and a commanding alarm post in the event of an enemy’s approach by sea or land.”The sum for the purpose was estimated at 700 guineas and £610 was raised from the 269 subscribers. A Committee of Management was elected and an application was made to Forres Town Council requesting –

“The use of roads and the site at the top of the Hill, and also ground for the site of the proposed memorial, to be the joint and perpetual property of the inhabitants of Forres and the whole subscribers to the said Tower, and to be occupied by them solely for the purpose of recreation and amusement.”

Some of the subscribers formed the Trafalgar Club which on the first anniversary of the battle.  The Club continued to meet in subsequent years and on its demise, its property passed to the Town Council.