Crich Stand

Crich Stand is a memorial tower on a limestone outcrop above the village of Crich in Derbyshire. It stands 286 metres above sea level and overlooks the surrounding countryside. The tower was first built in 1760 and has been rebuilt several times since. The current structure was completed in 1923 to honour the Sherwood Foresters who died in the First World War. Later dedications include those who perished in the Second World War and subsequent conflicts. The tower is 19 metres high with 59 steps to the top. From there, visitors can see far across the landscape. On clear days, Lincoln Cathedral 40 miles away is visible. The memorial contains parts of earlier towers and is built from gritstone and sandstone. Bronze plaques on the tower list the battles and conflicts in which the regiment served. A wrought-iron enclosure surrounds the base of the tower. Inside, a doorway leads to a lantern at the top with Doric columns and a flaming finial. A powerful electric beacon was installed in 1926 and later replaced by a stronger light in 1934. The current beacon still shines nightly. The site can be reached by road or via a footpath from the National Tramway Museum at the former quarry below.