Project overview
Disaster struck literally when the Browne Clayton Column was hit by a lightning bolt on 29th December 1994. Several huge stones were dislodged from the capital and the upper third of the shaft, and two large sections of masonry on each side were also pushed apart. This left a dramatic jagged opening about 5 metres high and 1 metre wide.
Trust and ownership
The column presented us with two major challenges, the first being the structural damage caused by the lightning strike, and the second being that the column was in privately owned. Only when the status of column was changed from private to public ownership could work begin at the column. We had experience in setting up building preservation trusts and the creation of a new Irish non-profit was vital in unlocking this project. There were other obstacles to surmount once this was set up. The situation of the column on its own hill meant that it was impossible to get a crane close enough to do the work. More information about the obstacles encountered can be found in the Technical Case Study.
Funds and progress
WMF Britain was first approached for help by the three major conservation organizations in the Republic of Ireland: The Irish Heritage Council; the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and Islands; and An Taisce (the Irish National Trust). By bringing together the main players, we were able to set up The Wexford Monument Trust in 2001. Fundraising began in earnest and the Trust managed the project - its board composed of members of WMF Britain, the Wexford County Council and An Taisce. As well as raising funds for the project, we made regular trips to Ireland to check on progress at the site, offer advice and make decisions regarding the direction of the works.
Food for the Gods
The project was completed with a topping out ceremony on a wet and windy day in October 2004. This included the attachment of a sheaf of corn to the top of the structure as part of an ancient Nordic custom. The corn is an offering of food for the horse of the Norse God Woden, and intended as a charm against lightning. The flag of the city of Wexford was raised to the strains of Irish bagpipes and the towering presence of this magnificent feat of engineering dominates the landscape once more.
Stones in the capital were meticulously repaired and replaced