GERARD W Cavalier has said in his letter that Obelisk Road, Woolston, has not had an obelisk for some time.

It may be of interest for local people to know that the road was named after the obelisk in Mayfield park which was erected in 1810 in memory of James Fox, a local politician.

It was later dedicated to two horses buried nearby on the Radstock Estate.

The obelisk became the trade mark of Lancaster and Crook whose headquarters were in Obelisk Road.

(reference a book entitled Lord Radstock of Mayfield by David Fountain).

The relationship between the road and the monument can be clearly seen on any map of Southampton.

A line drawn along the road and extended into the park will show that the two are in line. In the words of the old cockney musical song, the relation could still be seen 'if it wasn't for all the 'ouses in between.

EDDIE CROXSON, Bitterne Local History Society.