The Robertson memorial at Hydon's Ball

The Robertson memorial commemorates deaths in World War I

The top of Hydon's Ball in winter sunshine

View point Hydons Ball Surrey — The highest point on Hydons Ball

View point at Hydon's Ball — Rest at the view point and look out towards Black Down

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:

Frensham Common

Birling Gap

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.