The Browne-Clayton Monument is the only internally accessible
Corinthian column in existence and is thus a unique architectural landmark. It was built of
Mount Leinster granite and contains an internal staircase leading to the capital, from which an impressive view of the surrounding countryside can be obtained. Its construction commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1841. The design replicates the monument known as
Pompey's Pillar in
Alexandria, Egypt, which is approximately six feet lower in height. The Monument was designed by the renowned English architect,
Thomas Cobden, who is most famous for the design of the
Gothic Revival style Cathedral of the Assumption in
Carlow Town as well as the
Duckett's Grove near
Tullow,
County Carlow. The monument was built by General Robert Browne-Clayton of Carrigbyrne in memory of Sir
Ralph Abercromby, who was his commanding officer and with whom he fought and was victorious in the Egyptian battles in 1801 against
Napoleon during the
French campaign in Egypt and Syria. It was at the
Battle of Alexandria that Abercromby was mortally wounded. The local name for it is "Browne's Nonsense" as legend has it that Browne originally built it in memory of his son, thought to have been killed in battle, but who turned up alive and well shortly after completion of the pillar. , depicted in an 1805 engraving ==Lightning strike==