The foundation stone of the Percy Tenantry Column in Alnwick was laid on 1st July 1816. When agricultural prices fell after the Napoleonic Wars, the 2nd Duke of Northumberland, reduced the rents of his tenants by a quarter to alleviate their hardship. The column was paid for and built by the tenants in thanks for this. It is believed that features of the Tenantry Column may have inspired the design of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, London.
"TO HUGH, DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND, K.G. IS ERECTED, DEDICATED, AND INSCRIBED, BY A GRATEFUL AND UNITED TENANTRY / ANNO DOMINI MDCCCXVI."
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