Charles I Unburied


Charles I Unburied

This is the statue of Charles I that pre-dates Trafalgar Square.

Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster

Description: This statue of Charles I by Hubert La Sueur is the earliest equestrian statue in London. But the 1633 bronze has an even quirkier claim to fame.

During the Civil War the Roundheads sold it to a brazier, John Rivet, so he could break it up for scrap. He didn't, he hid or buried it in his garden in Holborn instead, and then set about selling souvenirs cast from the statue.

When the monarchy was restored he made himself a further few bob by producing the undamaged monument to the late king and sold it back to His Majesty Charles II's Government to be re-erected here in 1678.

Both the original sword and it's replacement have both been stolen from the statue over the years and not been seen since.

Themes: SculptureSculpture Theme
Charles I Unburied

This is the statue of Charles I that pre-dates Trafalgar Square.

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