In my last post on Royal visits, I mentioned the statue of George III on Weymouth Esplanade and featured a photograph of the more than life sized likeness of the monarch (Photo 1).
I had noticed that his right hand was in a position which looked unnatural, as if he were meant to be grasping a cane or similar object.
Weymouth Civic Society has contacted me to confirm that he used to carry the Sceptre of State in that hand.
This is confirmed in the listing particulars of what is an important Grade I Monument:
“Freestanding monument to George III. Erected 1809/10, to the designs of James Hamilton, architect. The figures and details in Coade stone, said to be the work of by Mr Sealy, of the firm Coade and Sealy, on a massive stone pedestal. The King, in Garter robes, holds the sceptre, in his right hand, and is backed by various insignia, including to his right, the Crown on a cushion, Royal standard and Union flag; to his left are a pile of books and a large oval shield of arms.”
The Sceptre, in all its gilded splendour, features prominently in a postcard probably dating from the 1950s (Photo 2).
It is recorded again in a photo taken in 1977, but it had disappeared by July 1986, when the Weymouth Civic Society went to photographed the statue.
I would like to solve the mystery of the Missing Sceptre. Does anyone know who removed it and its present whereabouts?
Is it in your attic or garden shed?
All replies will be treated in strict confidence!
Ian Gosling
23.10.24
Recent Comments