King's Statue - Weymouth by Steve Johnson
King's Statue (King George III Statue)
The Grade I listed King’s Statue on the esplanade at Weymouth is a historic monument dedicated to King George III, dating to 1810.
Constructed of Portland Stone with Coade stone figures, possibly the work of Sealy, of Coade and Sealy. The King is depicted in Garter robes, holding a sceptre in his right hand, and surrounded by various insignia of Royal power including the crown on a cushion, Royal standard and Union flag. On the left are a pile of books and a large oval shield of arms, all brightly coloured on a cavetto base with roll moulding. The statue has been an important feature of Weymouth for over two centuries and continues to be popular landmark for tourists and locals alike.
As well as being visually striking, it serves as an important reminder of Weymouth’s noble history and reminds us to remain proud of our heritage. It also stands as testament to the skill of its designers who have crafted a monument that may be appreciated for many years to come.
However, this was not always the case as The Southern Times, writing in 1886 described the King’s Statue as ‘that hideous monstrosity known as the King’s Statue, about the removal of which many schemes have been from time to time suggested’.
Created: 15 January 2023 Edited: 29 November 2023
King's Statue (King George III Statue)
Local History around King's Statue (King George III Statue)
There are some historic monuments around including:
Preston Roman villaRound barrow on Ridgeway HillGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodPortland CastleBarrows in Came WoodGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyTwo round barrows on RidgewayGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came DownCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnHumpty Dumpty Field, RadipoleSix round barrows on Bincombe DownGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnMulti-period archaeological landscape centred on and including a slight univallate hillfort called Chalbury, two bowl barrows, part of a Bronze Age urnfield and a series of medieval strip fieldsSix barrows on Ridgeway HillBattery 200yds (180m) E of the Naval cemeteryRound barrow N of RidgewayBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnSandsfoot CastleGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillNothe Fort, tramway and searchlight battery at The NotheThe Verne CitadelHeavy Anti-Aircraft Battery (P3 Verne), 275m south-west of Fancy's FarmRound barrows on RidgewayRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnRomano-Celtic temple and associated remains at Jordan HillSix round barrows W of Came DownRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonGroup of barrows on West HillFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsTwo round barrows at Down WoodGroup of round barrows on RidgewayDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmEast Weare rifle rangeRAF Portland, site of Rotor early warning radar stationTwo round barrows on Ridgeway.
