Why was the Obelisk built?
Many suggestions about the Obelisk’s purpose have been made over the years. One theory is that it was some sort of signalling tower. Signalling towers were used in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a way of passing urgent official news. A surviving example is Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower, built around 1820. However, the semaphore system only dates from about 1800, by which time The Obelisk was already over 30 years old. Signals could also be sent by heliograph, a system which used sunlight and reflectors. In the absence oil-lamps or candles were used, both something of a fire risk. There is some suggestion that Norris himself referred to the Obelisk as a heliograph. Nearly 20 miles away, on the top of West Wycombe Church tower, there is a strange structure: a golden sphere, with seating inside for several men. This was built in 1751 by Sir Francis Dashwood, who was a friend of Norris. Over the years, a local legend grew up that The Obelisk and West Wycombe’s tower were part of
