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:
Round barrow N of RidgewayRAF Portland, site of Rotor early warning radar stationGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyPreston Roman villaSix round barrows W of Came DownThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillBarrows in Came WoodSix round barrows on Bincombe DownRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnTwo round barrows on RidgewayRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureSandsfoot CastleEast Weare rifle rangePortland CastleNothe Fort, tramway and searchlight battery at The NotheGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonRound barrows on RidgewaySix barrows on Ridgeway HillGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnGroup of round barrows on RidgewayThe Verne CitadelGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillBattery 200yds (180m) E of the Naval cemeteryGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came DownTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchGroup of barrows on West HillTwo round barrows at Down WoodTwo round barrows on RidgewayMulti-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 fieldsRomano-Celtic temple and associated remains at Jordan HillGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillRound barrow on Ridgeway HillTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsHumpty Dumpty Field, RadipoleDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsHeavy Anti-Aircraft Battery (P3 Verne), 275m south-west of Fancy's Farm.
