Despite a visit to the library I can find out nothing about this monument at the edge of the wood overlooking Wilton Castle, no plaque or inscriptions seems to be present.

Close by in heavy undergrowth is the remaining parapet of Waterfall Bridge, this looks like it was a feature of the formal gardens of the Wilton Castle and i’ve read it was still useable with care in the 1950s. A waterfall exists further up the gill, although obscured by trees now.

 

If anyone knows anything more about these two places, or knows of a photo of the bridge intact I would love to hear from you.

Wilton Castle is just below the location, in the shadow of the chemical works.

 

Update 6/5/2011

Craig Hornby, director of “A Century In Stone” sent me the following info :-

I was told by Doug Kneeshaw a mine horse driver about 20 years ago that the bridge was wooden and very rickety! And the monument was to old man Lowther’s favourite donkey!!! (The Wilton castle being the family home of the Lowther family until ICI bought in the 1940s). There is a large gravestone to one of them in Wilton cemetary and it says Secretary of State for Ireland or something …how’s that! Doug Kneeshaw 1920-2000 and featured in ACIS. filmed 1989 with big hoss at California Stables where he lived back in the day as his dad was mine hosskeeper.