AN historic obelisk which had fallen into disrepair has been expertly restored.

Thought to be the last surviving fragment of the 18th century Sansome Walk promenade, the limestone obelisk, hidden inside the walls of St Oswald's Hospital almshouses in The Tything,Worcester, has been repaired and made safe for all to enjoy.

Not much is known about the 3.5 metre high structure but it is believed to have once stood at the north end of the promenade, which ran parallel to the Tything and Foregate Street In the 1700s Sansome Walk was an elegant suburb of the city, from which the present housing area derives its name.

The obelisk probably dates from the later part of the century and is thought to have been moved to its present site in the mid 19th century as the housing development progressed.

In recent years it had to be cordoned off from the public after falling into disrepair and being in danger of collapsing.

However, earlier this year Worcester City Council came to the rescue with a grant, from the Historic Building Grants scheme, for it to be repaired.

Stonemasons from Worcester Cathedral have now completed the restoration work and, on Wednesday, September 26, the Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, who is also Master of St. Oswald's, blessed the obelisk at a special ceremony.

The structure comprises an oolitic limestone obelisk, supported by four 200mm diameter oolitic limestone balls and an octagonal centre support set onto a square pedestal with cornice and plinth.