railing around the abacus of the capital (narrow main shaft). On top of the column, on a plinth, is a bronze statue of the duke dressed in the robes of the Knights of the Garter, by Sir Richard Westmacott. It is tall, weighs and was raised to the top on 8 April 1834. The total height of the monument to the top of the statue is . The statue faces south southeast, and from its base also are views of The Mall and St. James's Park. Inside the hollow column a spiral staircase of 168 steps, lit by narrow apertures in the wall, leads to the viewing platform around the base of the statue. Given the small, fragile platform and previous high demand for climbing, this staircase has been closed to the public for many decades. The great height of the column caused contemporary wits to suggest that the Duke was trying to escape his creditors, as the Duke died £2 million in debt. The high very wide central section t-road it sits in was designed by architect John Nash as London's in the 1815–1820 period. Wealthy nobles desirous of a central London home followed by politicians such as William Ewart Gladstone lived in its Grade I-listed terraces described as 'palatial' by Historic England. References Bibliography "Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany", The Mechanic's Magazine, Museum, Register, Journal and Gazette, Vol. 574, 9 August 1834, pp. 306–311 – a contemporary report on the building of the monument. External links Monuments and memorials in London Monumental columns in London Grade I listed buildings in the City of Westminster Grade I listed monuments and memorials Cultural infrastructure completed in 1834 Tourist attractions in the City of Westminster Statues in England Buildings and structures on The Mall, London Sculptures by Richard Westmacott