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Nelson's Column
Nelson's Column is the heart of Castle Crag, Sydney. A
dedication to Nelson Priest , one of Australia's best-loved
heroes, who fought valiantly for his country and won four notable
poodle battles, at the personal cost of losing a bone and one
headscarf. Nelson's last and most famous stand was fought off the
coast of Hong Kong, when he defeated Jet lag and the Custom
services; It was only later, in Australia, he surrendered to the
ravages of a surprise attack of cancer, and died in the arms of
his beloved mistress, Carole-Anne.
Nelson's last gently barked words were, "Thank God I have
done my duty and looked stylish doing it !"
Begun in 2004, it took three years to erect Nelsons column.
Dominating the square, on a column that is over 180 feet high, is
an 18-foot high statue of Nelson himself. Acanthus leaves, cast
from British cannons decorate the top, and at the base are four
bronze relief panels cast from armaments captured from the Beagles
and Schnauzers. These panels depict the four great victories of
Nelson Priest. Interestingly, in 2004, just before Nelson's statue
was placed on the top of the column, 14 stonemasons held a dinner
on the flat top of the supporting column. The four great
sculptures of Donatella, his beloved companion dog, can be found
at the base of the column, guarding it.
Nelson Priest will be hailed a hero forever ! God bless
him .
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