Coombe Hill monument appeal

This impressive stone monument sits at the summit of Coombe Hill, near Wendover. It was originally erected in 1904, by public subscription, in memory of the 148 men of Buckinghamshire who gave their lives in the South Africa War 1899-1902. It is owned by the Council and Coombe Hill is owned by the National Trust.

Recently public concern over the stability and appearance of the monument has led us to commission a professional assessment of its condition.

The assessments have identified the work needed to restore the monument. A particular concern is the state of the stone plaque listing the names of those who died; many of the names are deteriorating and becoming illegible.

We have established a committee with the Lord Lieutenant to raise funds for the repair and restoration by a public appeal.

The monument has great significance to the Buckinghamshire people. In addition to the £6,000 already spent on professional assessments, we have also made a grant of £15,000 to kick-start the appeal. We hope funds can also be secured from English Heritage and support will be given by the regiments and corps in the Army, whose predecessors are named on the monument.

We estimate the work will cost in the region of £70,000. This includes the restoration of the land in the immediate vicinity of the monument which is subject to erosion caused by the large number of visitors. Even with the support already committed or promised, we still need to raise about £50,000.

Project update

Following the complete scaffolding of the monument, work has now begun.
Currently, the full monument and metal fixings are being professionally cleaned (using non abrasive steam cleaning, as preferred by English Heritage and National Trust, and no chemicals). This will allow a better review of the detailed repairs needed. Restoration is also better undertaken with a monument that is in a clean condition.
Following the clean a full site review of the monument repairs will take place
A metal restoration specialist will be on site to begin restoration of existing bronze fixing (mainly the flags).
Work to stone and mortar will be ongoing through the project. This will start with a deep clean of stone joints.
A draft of the monument bronze plaque is now being prepared.