The Robertson memorial at Hydon's Ball




The Robertson memorial at Hydon’s Ball commemorates the lives of Second Lieutenant Laurance Robertson (36) King’s Own Scottish Borderers, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme on 30 July 1916 and his brother, Captain Norman Robertson (40) of 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, who died on 20 June 1917
One of Nine on High Ground
The Robertson memorial at Hydon's Ball is one of nine placed on high ground around the south east of England and “within reasonably easy access of London”. It was paid for by William Robertson, Laurance and Norman’s older brother. It’s nearly 2.5 metres tall and takes the form of an obelisk. It’s positioned close to the summit of the hill and has been listed as Grade II by Historic England. A small area of Hydon’s Heath (c0.5ha) was the last of the nine properties to be purchased, on 15 January 1959 as part of the Robertson bequest.
Casting History
The obelisk was cast by Dove Brothers of London and the plaque was made by the Royal Label Factory, Stratford upon Avon, to a design by Laurence Turner.
Other Robertson Memorials in the south east of England
Eight other memorials to Laurance and Norman Robertson exist on National Trust land. These can be found at:
The Devil's Punch Bowl/Highcombe Copse
Gomshall
In addition to countryide sites, the Robertson bequest also funded the purchase of Sutton House in Hackney.