Did you know that Monument Place takes its name from the Equestrian Statue of George III (1738 – 1820)?
George III was one of the country’s longest-reigning monarchs. Ruling for just over 59 years, he stands behind only Victoria and Elizabeth II in length of reign. His time on the throne is also remembered for his struggle with a debilitating mental illness, which began to affect him from the 1780s onwards. From 1811 until his death, power passed to his son, the Prince of Wales (later George IV), who ruled in his stead as Prince Regent.
This statue was originally conceived to commemorate George III’s Diamond Jubilee in 1808, with the ambitious plan of raising funds through a public subscription to supplement a £500 donation from the city corporation.
The timing, however, could hardly have been worse. Britain was in the midst of significant political instability: the King’s health was failing, and the nation was locked in the long and costly Napoleonic War. It was only after the Battle of Waterloo on 15 June 1815 that the idea of erecting a statue was considered in earnest. A number of sculptors were invited to submit designs, and a budget of £2,700 (the equivalent of about £200,000 today) was agreed.
Even then, progress was slow. It took a further seven years for the statue to finally come into being, by which point George III had died. During this process, Sir Richard Westmacott emerged as the preferred artist. Remarkably patient, he endured repeated delays, shifting plans and budget revisions. In the end, he was paid £3,000, which included some surplus funds from the Nelson Memorial subscription, which had been much more generously supported.
George III is depicted as a Roman Emperor, dressed in a tunic, military cloak and sandals, and crowned with a traditional victor’s laurel wreath. The design was based on a famous bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180). Westmacott presents the King with his right hand outstretched, symbolising a paternal gesture of protection extended over his people.
This royal statue is one of several in the city, including those of George V and Queen Mary overlooking the Birkenhead Tunnel, and Queen Victoria on Derby Square.
Author: Fabric District CIC
