Rollo Gillespie Monument

Overview

Rising 55 feet above the cobbles of Comber Square, the Rollo Gillesday Monument is a striking Grecian column topped by a bronze statue of Major‑General Sir Robert Rollo Gillespie. The monument sits at the heart of the town of Comber in County Down, making it an easy stop for anyone wandering the historic centre. Its white‑washed shaft, classical proportions and the figure of Gillespie poised on the summit give the square a sense of grandeur that belies the modest size of the surrounding streets.

The column is not merely decorative; it is a narrative device. Four bronze tablets encircle the base, each inscribed with details of Gillespie’s military career, his family arms, and a wealth of Masonic symbols that reflect his deep involvement with the Freemasons. The west face bears his famous last words – “ONE MORE SHOT FOR THE HONOUR OF DOWN!” – while the east face commemorates his grandson, also a distinguished general. The monument is free to visit and open year‑round, inviting locals and tourists alike to pause and contemplate a slice of Irish military heritage.

History

Sir Robert Rollo Gillespie was born in Comber in 1766 and left the town at the age of ten to pursue education in England. He entered the British Army in 1783 and quickly earned a reputation for daring exploits across the Caribbean, India, Java and Nepal. Notable moments include his defence of Vellore in 1806, his role in the capture of Batavia in 1811, and his fatal charge on the fortress of Kalunga in 1814, where he is said to have shouted his legendary last words.

After his death, a “grateful nation” erected a memorial in St Paul’s Cathedral, London. In his native Comber, the townspeople decided to honour their native son with a permanent public monument. A design competition was held, and the winning entry came from Mr John Johnston of Belfast. The foundation stone was laid on 24 June 1844 – St John’s Day, a date of particular significance to the Freemasons, who were heavily involved in the project. A sealed bottle was placed in the stone, containing newspapers, coins, an almanac, and a list of subscribers.

The column was unveiled on 24 June 1845 before a crowd estimated at 30 000 people. Contemporary reports described it as a “Grecian Column” surmounted by a likeness of Gillespie, posed by a relative. The sides of the pillar list the battles in which he fought, while the tablets at the base convey both biographical data and Masonic iconography. A later tablet was added to honour Gillespie’s grandson, Major‑General Robert Rollo Gillespie C.B., who served with distinction in the late‑19th century.

What to See & Do

• The Column and Statue – The 55‑ft column dominates the skyline of Comber Square. At its summit, a bronze figure of Gillespie stands in a commanding pose, offering a dramatic focal point for photographs.
• The Four Tablets – Walk around the base to read the inscriptions. The west tablet details Gillespie’s birth, career, death and his famous last words. The east tablet commemorates his grandson and lists the locations of his later service.
• Masonic Symbolism – Look for the square and compasses, the all‑seeing eye and other Masonic motifs that hint at Gillespie’s affiliation with the Order. These details are of particular interest to those fascinated by fraternal history.
• Nearby Attractions – While in Comber, you can also visit the historic Comber Non‑Subscribing Presbyterian Church (0.24 mi away) or take a short drive to Scrabo Country Park and Scrabo Tower for panoramic views of Strangford Lough.

The monument is an open‑air exhibit, so you can linger as long as you like, reading the tablets at your own pace. The surrounding square often hosts local markets and community events, providing a lively backdrop to your visit.

Practical Information

The monument is accessible all year, with specific opening times listed below. Admission is free, and there is no ticketing required. Parking is available nearby on the town’s public streets; charges may apply depending on the time of day.

For any enquiries, you may call the local information line at +44 (0) 28 9182 6846. More details, including a map of the square and nearby amenities, are available on the official tourism page: Visit Ards & North Down – Rollo Gillespie Monument.

Visiting Tips – The site has no on‑site café or restroom, so plan accordingly. As the monument is outdoors, bring a hat or umbrella in inclement weather. Its central location makes it easy to combine with a stroll through Comber’s shops, cafés and historic streets, creating a pleasant half‑day itinerary.