Gott's Obelisk

Built in 1785 by Sir William Gott (or was it Henry Thomas?)
in commemoration of a stag hunt with King George III,
but halved in height after being struck by lightning.

www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2315131

To Newland I Mile III Furlgs
To Chesham VII Miles

To Denham IV Miles
To Uxbridge VI Miles
LONDON XXI

What was halved in height? The obelisk or George III?

I'm not aware of George III having been struck by lightning.

Nor was he. That was the sad thing about it.

I was nearly struck by lightning once. I was in a caravan and saw a ball of light come down the electric cable a few feet in front of me, just as I was about to plug my record player in. The lightning must have struck the barn next door (where the fuse boxes were) and part of it come down my cable to earth. If the strike had been two seconds later, I would have been plugged into it and we might not be having this conversation.

I can top that, although I wish I couldn't!
I was struck three times, all in Harrow town centre, and all within the space of 2 years. Twice while crossing the same railway bridge and once in the main street, surrounded by tall buildings. On each occasion I had my umbrella up and it was flung out of my hands. The worst time (on the bridge) left me with a little bit of scarring on my hand and wrist. I was OK but the smell of sizzling flesh was the worst part of it!