Forbes of Newe Obelisk
A noble stone memorial honouring a philanthropist's gift to Scottish mental health care
A striking stone obelisk standing in Aberdeen's Cornhill Hospital grounds, commemorating John Forbes of Newe, Strathdon (1773–1849). This historical monument honours the baronet's generous £10,000 donation towards the construction of Aberdeen Asylum, Scotland's pioneering mental health facility. Relocated and restored in 1838, the obelisk represents both architectural elegance and philanthropic legacy, offering visitors insight into 19th-century Scottish charitable endeavour and medical progress.
A brief summary to Forbes of Newe Obelisk
- Aberdeen, AB25 3RT, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to appreciate the obelisk's stonework and read the inscriptions clearly. The monument is situated within hospital grounds, so access may be restricted during certain hours.
- Combine your visit with exploration of Aberdeen's broader medical heritage and Victorian-era architecture. The surrounding area offers context for understanding 19th-century institutional development.
- Take time to reflect on the obelisk's dual significance: both as a tribute to individual philanthropy and as a marker of Scotland's pioneering approach to mental health care.
- Photography is rewarding from multiple angles. The stone's texture and the obelisk's proportions create compelling compositions, particularly in soft natural light.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus services operate throughout Aberdeen connecting to Cornhill Hospital area. Journey times from Aberdeen city centre typically range from 15–25 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. Services run regularly throughout the day with reduced frequency in evenings and Sundays. Standard adult fares are approximately £1.50–£2.50 per journey within the city zone.
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Car
The obelisk is located within Cornhill Hospital grounds in the AB25 3RT postcode area, approximately 2 kilometres west of Aberdeen city centre. Parking is available within the hospital car park; however, availability may be limited during peak hours. Journey time from the city centre is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. No entrance fee is required for visiting the obelisk.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Aberdeen. Journey time from the city centre to Cornhill Hospital is approximately 10–15 minutes. Estimated fare is £8–£12 depending on exact pickup location and current rates. This option provides direct access and is convenient if you prefer not to navigate public transport or parking.
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Walking
Walking from Aberdeen city centre to the obelisk takes approximately 30–40 minutes depending on your starting point and pace. The route traverses urban streets with pavements throughout. The terrain is relatively flat with no significant elevation changes. This option allows you to experience the city's character while approaching the monument.
Forbes of Newe Obelisk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Forbes of Newe Obelisk
A Monument to Philanthropy and Progress
The Forbes of Newe Obelisk stands as a testament to one man's commitment to advancing mental health care in Scotland. Sir Charles Forbes, 1st Baronet of Newe in Strathdon (1773–1849), made a transformative contribution to Aberdeen's medical landscape by donating £10,000 towards the establishment of Aberdeen Asylum. This substantial gift, motivated by his friendship with Susan Carnegie—founder of Montrose Asylum, Scotland's first public asylum in 1781—reflected the enlightened values of the era and Forbes's personal conviction that mental health deserved institutional support and care.The Obelisk's Journey Through Time
The obelisk itself has experienced a notable journey. Originally positioned elsewhere, it was relocated to the grounds of Cornhill Hospital in 1838 and carefully restored to its present condition. For 180 years, the monument remained a steadfast presence in the hospital's landscape, serving as a daily reminder of Forbes's legacy. However, the construction of a new housing estate on part of the hospital site necessitated the obelisk's relocation once more, ensuring this important historical marker would be preserved for future generations.Architectural Significance and Design
As a form of memorial architecture, the obelisk carries deep historical resonance. Obelisks have long been employed to commemorate significant achievements and honour individuals of consequence. Their lofty, tapered form provides both visual prominence and a dignified surface for inscriptions—qualities that made this design particularly appropriate for celebrating Forbes's philanthropic contribution. The stone construction and classical proportions reflect 19th-century aesthetic preferences, combining strength with elegance.The Forbes Family Legacy in Aberdeenshire
The Forbes family maintained a significant presence throughout Donside and Aberdeenshire's history. The family seat of Castle New was historically located at the base of Ben Newe, establishing the Forbeses as influential landowners and community leaders. The baronetcy itself, created in 1823 for Charles Forbes—a merchant of considerable standing—recognised the family's economic and social importance. This obelisk thus represents not merely one individual's generosity, but the culmination of generations of Forbes family prominence and responsibility to their region.Cornhill Hospital and Mental Health Innovation
Cornhill Hospital, where the obelisk now stands, represents a crucial chapter in Scottish medical history. The establishment of Aberdeen Asylum marked a watershed moment in how society approached mental health treatment. Rather than viewing mental illness as an inevitable tragedy to be hidden away, the asylum represented a progressive commitment to care, treatment, and dignity. Forbes's donation was instrumental in making this vision a reality, and the obelisk serves as a permanent acknowledgement of his role in this transformative development.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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A noble stone memorial honouring a philanthropist's gift to Scottish mental health care
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Location Audience
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