King Edward VII – Liverpool, UK
Posted by: dtrebilc
N 53° 24.279 W 002° 59.809
30U E 500212 N 5917285
This statue stands on Liverpool’s famous pier head, and is sited so that he is looking out onto the mouth of the River Mersey.
Waymark Code: WMCP4V
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/27/2011
Views: 10
Edward VII had been a popular king. Being Queen Victoria's son he was 58 by the time he came to the throne. He had been considered to be a pleasure seeker, but on the throne he displayed a sense of duty, and was known as the Uncle of Europe.
In 1904 he had laid the foundation stone to the new Anglican Cathedral.
After he died in 1910 the idea of erecting a statue in memory of King Edward VII was first put forward. Although it was finished in 1916, by the sculptor Sir William Goscombe John, it was not placed and unveiled until 1921.
At the time it was erected, this area was part of the busy port of Liverpool. These days the port is no longer so active and the whole area has been cleared and renovated and a popular tourist destination.
The area immediately around the statue was completely re-paved in 2008 as part of the preparations for Liverpool being the European Capital of Culture that year. As part of this work the statue was temporarily removed for cleaning. It was found that sometime in the past the statue had had a number of coats of paint, even car primer in an effort to protect it from the sea air. It was restored to its former glory and returned to its site in time for the European City of Culture celebrations.
The statue is made of bronze and stands on a granite plinth and is 16 feet high. It stands in front of the Cunard building, and near to the famous Liver building in the middle of a large open esplanade.
Identity of Rider: King Edward VII
Name of artist: Sir William Goscombe John
Date of Dedication: 1921
Material: Bronze
Position: All Hooves Planted
Identity of Horse: Not listed
Unusual Features: Not listed
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