Marlow Obelisk restoration to begin

| |

The following, press release has been released by Bucks County Council. This is the end result of a bit of to and fro last year regarding repair of the obelisk at the top of the High Street which was erected in 1822. Originally it was used as a waypoint marker by travelling coaches. Over time, the obelisk has begun to deteriorate, with whole sections of the stone lettering breaking away.  


On 22 August Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) will start work on restoration of the Marlow Obelisk.  The work will take three weeks to complete and will be carried out using temporary traffic lights on weekday nights between 8 pm – 5 am, when the roads will be at their quietest.  Work will not be undertaken during the bank holiday weekend and will resume on 28 August.

TfB took the decision to postpone the work on the Obelisk last year due to practical concerns, particularly the congestion that it would create on local roads.  TfB have worked in partnership with various interested parties to consider many options, including temporarily removing the Obelisk from site for restoration, before deciding that overnight working on the structure in situ was the most feasible option.

Drainage work will also be carried out around the base of the Obelisk to help preserve the monument.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transportation Mark Shaw supported the decision to postpone the work and said:

“TfB remains dedicated to completing the restoration of the obelisk in the shortest time possible and with the least disruption to the local area. Overnight working during the summer months is our best option.”

Article author: Paul Merchant

About the author: Founded MyMarlow.co.uk in its original version back in 2000 - yes the internet DID exist back then. Brought up in Marlow, went to school here, now has children at the same schools. Quite clearly loves all things Marlow - hence spending over 2 decades doing this!

Previous article

Gritters are out in Buckinghamshire as hot weather affects some roads

GALLERY: Swan Upping 2018, with a Royal visitor!

Next article