Travel Pixy
  • Switzerland
  • Hawaii
  • Scotland
  • Australia
  • Netherlands
  • Ireland
  • Germany
No Result
View All Result
Travel Pixy
  • Switzerland
  • Hawaii
  • Scotland
  • Australia
  • Netherlands
  • Ireland
  • Germany
No Result
View All Result

No products in the cart.

Travel Pixy
No Result
View All Result

How Glasgow’s Duke Of Wellington Statue Got Traffic Cone On Head?

Donna Kaytlyn by Donna Kaytlyn
June 1, 2023
in Scotland
0 0
0
Home Scotland

How Glasgow’s Duke Of Wellington Statue Got Traffic Cone On Head?

The equestrian Duke of Wellington statue is a well-known symbol of Glasgow. It is the city’s pride and joy. The statue was put up in 1844 to honor Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. It was made by the Italian artist Carlo Marochetti. But the Duke’s favorite hat, an orange traffic cone, will always be bigger than him.

Table of Contents

  • Facts about Duke of Wellington
  • Traffic Cone On Head

The cone is an important part of the city, and it shows that Glaswegians and Scots have a great sense of humor. This cone is much more than just a cone; it’s a symbol of Glasgow. It was included in the 2011 Lonely Planet guide’s list of the “Top 10 Most Bizarre Monuments On Earth,” which adds to its fun, countercultural appeal.

How Glasgow’s Duke Of Wellington Statue Got Traffic Cone On Head?
The Duke Of Wellington Statue | © Paul Walter/Flickr

Facts about Duke of Wellington

But how did this cone thing start? Like many times in Scots history, the lines are blurry, so it’s best to stick to the facts instead of getting caught up in small details. The Duke’s cone-shaped hat was seen for the first time on record in the 1980s. People say that the practice of “cone-capping,” which has been around forever, started after a great night out filled with alcohol.

How Glasgow’s Duke Of Wellington Statue Got Traffic Cone On Head?
Duke Of Wellington Un-coned | © Bob Hall/Flickr

Traffic Cone On Head

After a night of dancing, a group of locals got a little tipsy and thought it would be funny to put a cone on the statue’s head. The moral of the story is that one prank can turn into a rite of passage and a long-standing local tradition, just like the deep-fried Mars Bar. Locals were even brave enough to switch the Duke’s cone for a more elegant gold one in honor of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were held in Glasgow.

See also  12 Best Buildings to See in Aberdeen That You Shouldn't Miss

How Glasgow’s Duke Of Wellington Statue Got Traffic Cone On Head?In the end, a frustrated Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Police showed up because a Category-A listed monument will always get worn down after it has been capped. It was against the law to mess with the statue. As the cost of removing the cone was said to be £10,000 per year, with each removal costing £100, the council decided that the only way to fix the problem was to double the height of the plinth to about six feet as part of a £65,000 restoration project. This would make it impossible for anyone to mess with the cone again. They had the wrong idea.

The plot got more complicated as soon as people in the area heard about it. The people got together and asked the council for help. In just 24 hours, they got 10,000 people to sign. Not only that, but a Facebook campaign called “Keep the Cone” got a lot of attention when more than 72,000 people liked it in just 24 hours. There was also a rally. People won, of course, because there was so much opposition to putting out the cone that it could no longer be ignored.

How Glasgow’s Duke Of Wellington Statue Got Traffic Cone On Head?
Keep The Cone Facebook Page | © Facebook

Even though a fancy CCTV system was set up to catch cone-cappers, the traffic cone is the reason why Glasgow is what it is today. If you need a pick-me-up or a good laugh, go see the Duke of Wellington in all his glory, cone and all. He is a great example of how funny Glaswegians are. Don’t let it go.

How Glasgow’s Duke Of Wellington Statue Got Traffic Cone On Head?
Duke Of Wellington Statue | © WIkiCommons

Topic: How Glasgow’s Duke Of Wellington Statue Got Traffic Cone On Head?

See also  Explore Glasgow Neighborhoods: A Guide To Get Around Like a Local

Join the “I Left My Heart in Scotland” in Our Community on Facebook. A place where members can be honest with each other, share their stories and travel photos, and try out a new way to see Scotland together.

By: Travel Pixy

ShareTweetShare
Donna Kaytlyn

Donna Kaytlyn

I have visited more than 50 countries, as well as lots of towns and villages all around the world. Our website is full of tips, reviews and travel deals to help you plan your next trip away.

Next Post

History and Facts of the Glasgow Necropolis

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
12 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Hawaii 2023

12 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Hawaii 2023

May 5, 2023
10 Things You Should Know Before Dating a Scottish Man

10 Things You Should Know Before Dating a Scottish Man

June 27, 2023
20+ Most Famous Hawaiian Songs You Need to Hear (2023)

20+ Most Famous Hawaiian Songs You Need to Hear (2023)

June 16, 2023
Swiss Villages – 10 Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland in 2023

Swiss Villages – 10 Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland in 2023

March 6, 2023
Top 8 Munich Attractions Every Local is Proud Of

Top 8 Munich Attractions Every Local is Proud Of

2

The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Netherlands 2023

2
The History of Scottish Clans & 10 Most Common Scottish Surnames

The History of Scottish Clans & 10 Most Common Scottish Surnames

2
10 Best Bars in Maui, Hawaii 2023

10 Best Bars in Maui, Hawaii 2023

1
16 Best Souvenirs From Hawaii (Authentic Hawaiian Gifts)

16 Best Souvenirs From Hawaii (Authentic Hawaiian Gifts)

June 16, 2023
Is Your Surname Among the 10 Most Common in Scotland?

Is Your Surname Among the 10 Most Common in Scotland?

June 1, 2023
Are There Bears in Scotland? The Story of Wild Bears in Scotland

Are There Bears in Scotland? The Story of Wild Bears in Scotland

June 1, 2023
What is Diamond Head? Things To Know Before Visiting Diamond Head Hawaii

What is Diamond Head? Things To Know Before Visiting Diamond Head Hawaii

June 1, 2023
Travel Pixy

Welcome to Travel Pixy at travelpixy.com! We're your go-to source for amazing travel tips, reviews, and deals. Founded in 2015 by Slattery Sarah, a travel agent with 24+ years of experience, Travel Pixy is your gateway to unforgettable adventures.

Email: [email protected]
Address Bussiness: 7 Coronation Road, Launchese, London, NW10 7PQ, UNITED KINGDOM

Support

About Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms Of Use

DMCA.com Protection Status

Categories

  • Australia
  • Germany
  • Hawaii
  • Ireland
  • Netherlands
  • Scotland
  • Switzerland

© 2023 - Travel Pixy

No Result
View All Result
  • Hawaii
  • Scotland
  • Australia
  • Netherlands
  • Ireland
  • Germany
  • Canada
  • New York
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • Contact us

© 2023 - Travel Pixy

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In