Drawn in by the gleam of bronze let’s gather here before the Ernst-August-Gedenkstein. It stands as a tribute to Ernst August King of Hanover. He ruled from 1837 until his death in 1851. This equestrian statue is a masterpiece created by Albert Wolff. It was erected in 1861.
The Ernst-August-Gedenkstein sits proudly in Ernst-August-Platz. This is the square in front of Hanover Central Station. Look closely at the inscription. It reads To the father of the nation from his loyal people. Locals often meet unterm Schwanz. This charming phrase means under the tail. They refer to the horse the King rides.
Ernst August was born in London in 1771. He was the fifth son of King George III. He seemed unlikely to become king. However his elder brothers had no legitimate sons. Ernest became King of Hanover due to Salic law. This law barred women from succession. This ended the union between Britain and Hanover that began in 1714.
He received education and military training in Hanover. Despite his mother’s disapproval he married Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in 1815. The marriage proved happy. His brother Edward Augustus Duke of Kent fathered Victoria in 1819.
Following the death of King Wilhelm IV Ernst August became Hanover’s first resident ruler. He reigned for fourteen years. He stirred controversy by dismissing the Gottingen Seven. This group included the Brothers Grimm. They protested his policies.
Now observe the statue’s details. Ernst August is depicted in his Hussar uniform. He sits atop his favorite horse Ibrahim. The bronze statue rests on a reddish-brown granite base. The granite came from the Brocken Mountains in Harz. The base bears the inscription Dem Landesvater, sein treues Volk. This translates to To the father of the country from his loyal people.
The pedestal also shows his birth death and the statue’s erection. It reads Born June 5 1771. King June 20 1837. Died November 18 1851. Erected September 21 1861.
Planning for the Ernst-August-Gedenkstein began in 1855. A committee was formed to honor the king. The public was asked to donate. King George V eventually funded part of the 35000 Taler cost.
Christian Daniel Rauch received the commission in 1856. His student Albert Wolff executed the design. Heinrich Hesemann designed the uniform and head. Bernstorff and Eichwede cast the statue in bronze. Transporting the granite base was difficult. The monolith weighed around 30 tons. Workers had to reduce and polish it. The final weight was 27 tons. It arrived in Hanover by train in 1858. Justus Molthan oversaw the on-site construction.
The Ernst-August-Gedenkstein was unveiled on September 21 1861. The ceremony included 23000 participants. 8000 marched from Waterlooplatz. Originally a fence surrounded the statue. It kept the public at a respectful distance.
Due to subway construction the monument moved to Leineschloss in 1971. It returned to its location in 1975. The stepped base was removed. The statue also shifted slightly toward the station.
Today the Ernst-August-Gedenkstein remains a beloved landmark. It is a testament to Hanover’s history. It also serves as a popular meeting place. So next time you arrange to meet Unterm Schwanz remember the rich history beneath the horse’s tail.