Black Down, Dorset

Black Down is a hill on the South Dorset Ridgeway about 2 kilometres north-northeast of the village of Portesham in the county of Dorset, England and around 5 kilometres from the coast.

Black Down
Black Down and the Hardy Monument
Highest point
Elevation242 m (794 ft)[1]
Prominence78 m (256 ft)[1]
Parent peakLewesdon Hill [1]
ListingTump (hill)
Coordinates50.687°N 2.551°W / 50.687; -2.551
Geography
LocationDorset, England
Parent rangeSouth Dorset Downs
OS gridSY611876
Topo mapOS Landranger 194

The treeless summit of Black Down is a popular viewing point, crowned by the 72 foot high Hardy Monument built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy who was Admiral Nelson's Flag Captain at the Battle of Trafalgar.[2]

From the top there are views of the Fleet and Chesil Beach as well as the South Dorset Downs.[3] On a fine day The Needles may be visible, some 50 miles away.[4]

The site is owned by the National Trust.

References

  1. Summit Listings by Relative Height by Jonathan de Ferranti. Accessed on 26 Mar 2013.
  2. Monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy at www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Accessed on 26 Mar 2013.
  3. Hardy Monument and Black Down at www.dorsetaonb.org.uk. Accessed on 26 Mar 2013.
  4. Hardy's Monument at www.worldheritagecoast.net. Accessed on 26 Mar 2013.
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