The Equestrian Statue of William III in St. James's Square, London

The Equestrian Statue of William III in St. James's Square, London

Photo: Prioryman / Wikimedia Commons , CC BY-SA 3.0 , resized

In London's St James's Square stands an equestrian statue of William III, but his horse's stumble at Hampton Court is less known. Find out more about the statue's history and influences.

The equestrian statue of William III was initially proposed in 1697 during the King's lifetime, specifically for placement in the center of St James's Square. However, nothing was done until 1724 when funding was provided in the will of Samuel Travers, MP. Time passed, and nothing was done until 1794 when the commission was granted to John Bacon Senior. Despite the delays, John Bacon Junior, under his direction, finally erected the statue in 1808. The statue is a Grade I listed structure due to its significant historical and cultural importance. Surrounded by rumors about a molehill incident referencing an event at Hampton Court where William III's horse Sorrel stumbled, causing the King's death, the source does not confirm this claim.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

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