text: The Jessop monument was erected in 1854 to the memory of William Jessop Jnr. 1784-1852. He had been an active partner in the Butterley Company for many years. His father (also called William) was one of the founding members of the company. The monument was raised by Public subscription at a cost of £700 and Mr Francis Wright, of Osmaston Manor, laid the first stone on October 9th 1854.
  The monument is situated on high ground above Codnor Park & Ironville and is 70 feet high. It is constructed of Ashler grit stone and has a door in the South facing side of the square base, which leads directly onto a spiral staircase of 150 steps.
  The viewing platform on top offered extensive views over the Amber valley as well as both Butterley Iron works at Ripley and Codnor Park. On one occasion the French tightrope walker Blondin walked a line from the top of the monument to the ground. Unfortunately the land on which it stands is now privately owned and it is no longer possible to get closer than 50m or to scale it.
  