Gaze upon this imposing figure. This is the statue of King William IV. He stands proudly in Greenwich a far cry from his original location.
This granite monument to William IV is more than just a statue. It’s a testament to a king a sailor and a piece of London’s history. Erected in 1844 by Samuel Nixon it initially stood in King William Street in the City of London. The king’s likeness is dressed as an admiral. This reflects his service in the Royal Navy. The statue was one of the first in London made of granite. This proved a difficult and costly material to work with. Nixon’s finances suffered as a result.
By the 1930s increasing traffic caused problems. The statue was moved to Greenwich. Its new home is near the National Maritime Museum. This location makes sense. William IV was known as the ‘Sailor King’. He was a serving admiral and later Lord High Admiral of the Royal Navy.
The statue’s relocation was a significant event. The City of London gifted it to the Office of Works in 1936. It now stands near the site of the demolished St Mary’s Church. It has remained there ever since. A plaque on the statue’s base tells this story.
The statue is not just impressive for its size. It is also Grade II listed. It’s considered one of the first naturalistic statues in London. The detail is striking. It has been said that the statue becomes rude when viewed from a particular angle.
So next time you’re in Greenwich take a moment to appreciate the King William IV Statue. It’s a fascinating piece of London’s past. It is a reminder of a king’s life his service and his lasting legacy. Remember the story of its journey from the bustling City to its peaceful spot in Greenwich. A king’s statue moved but not forgotten.