Originally a land lighthouse the burning fire atop, Dunston Pillar guided travellers across the bleak Lincolnshire landscape. The flames were replaced by a flashing neon cross, marking the spot. This light was still a guiding light for travellers and for contemporary art. Inside the pillar the faint murmurings of modern day saturnalias could be heard, in this case Nottingham at 11pm on a Saturday night. Again a reference to an aspect of its once inglorious past.

In 1751, Sir Francis Dashwood erected the 92ft limestone pillar with an octagonal lantern at the top as a land lighthouse, to deter highwaymen from robbing travellers. One of only three built in England, it became a popular tourist attraction and social centre, surrounded by a bowling green and assembly rooms.

In 1909 a storm brought down the lantern and a 14ft statue of George lll replaced it. In 1941 , during the Second World War, the top 60ft were removed, being seen as hazardous to low flying aircraft. Much of the stonework remains piled at the base of the pillar.

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