This monument is called the Triumphal Arch. James 'Athenian' Stuart modelled this monument on the Arch of Hadrian at Athens (according to wiki!). Work began in 1761 using stone from the Tixall quarries. Admiral George Anson of Shugborough died the following year and it is possible his brother, Thomas Anson, decided the arch should become a memorial to his brother.
It looks like the local youths have been looking for something interesting to do for quite a long time - hoping that my kids initials don't find their way onto here!!
I got carried away by these skies - go and get carried away around the world at SkyWatch Friday.