Equestrian Statue of King Charles I — Attraction in London

The equestrian statue of King Charles I is a prominent and historically significant monument located at Charing Cross in London, near Trafalgar Square. This statue is notable not only for its artistic merit but also for its rich history, having witnessed centuries of change in the city.

Created by the French sculptor Hubert Le Sueur, the statue was commissioned by Charles I himself in the 1630s but was not erected until after his death. The statue was originally intended for placement in the garden of Somerset House, but due to the English Civil War and subsequent execution of Charles I in 1649, its installation was delayed.

The equestrian statue portrays Charles I in a dignified and regal pose, mounted on a horse. The king is depicted in his armor, reflecting his role as a monarch and military leader. The statue captures a sense of calm authority and the royal bearing of Charles I, emphasizing his stature and presence.

The statue has an intriguing history, particularly during the period following the execution of Charles I. The bronze statue was sold to a metalsmith by Parliament with the intention of being melted down. However, the metalsmith, John Rivet, secretly buried the statue instead, preserving it for the future. Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the statue was recovered and finally erected in 1675 at its current location by Charles II as a gesture of homage to his father.

The statue stands on a plinth designed by Sir Christopher Wren, one of England's most renowned architects, and was executed by Joshua Marshall. The plinth bears inscriptions and features coats of arms, adding to the monument's grandeur and historical significance.

Over the years, the equestrian statue of King Charles I has become a key historical landmark in London. It marks the official center of London, from which distances to all other locations are measured, a tradition that began in the 19th century.

The statue's location at the south end of Trafalgar Square places it amidst other notable landmarks, including Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, and the nearby Admiralty Arch. This central position makes it a focal point for visitors and locals alike, providing a direct link to England's tumultuous 17th-century history.

The equestrian statue of King Charles I is not just a work of art but a testament to resilience and historical continuity. It serves as a reminder of the monarchy's complex past and the enduring legacy of the figures who shaped British history. For those visiting London, the statue offers a glimpse into the royal heritage and the artistry of the period, standing as a venerable witness to the...

An equestrian statue is a statue of a rider mounted on a horse, from the Latin "eques", meaning "knight", deriving from "equus", meaning "horse".[1] A statue of a riderless horse is strictly an "equine statue". A full-sized equestrian statue is a difficult and expensive object for any culture to produce, and figures have typically been portraits of rulers or, more recently, military commanders. Equestrian statuary in the West goes back at least as far as Archaic Greece. Found on the Athenian acropolis, the sixth century BC statue known as the Rampin Rider depicts a kouros mounted on horseback. A number of ancient Egyptian, Assyrian and Persian reliefs show mounted figures, usually rulers, though no free standing statues are known. The Chinese Terracotta Army has no mounted riders, though cavalrymen stand beside their mounts, but smaller Tang Dynastypottery tomb Qua figures often include them, at a relatively small scale. No Chinese portrait equestrian statues were made until modern times; statues of rulers are not part of traditional Chinese art, and indeed even painted portraits were only shown to high officials on special occasions until the...

It's London's oldest bronze sculpture

Charles I dissolved parliament in 1629, embarking on a so-called personal rule of the 1630s. It was just at this time that this sculpture was commissioned and created by Charles I's favorite sculptor, Hubert Le Sueur.

the piece has been in the same position since 1676, surviving well over 300 years of tinkering transport planners, pesky pigeons, and plinth pimping

There's a great focus on details and armour, even down to the rippling of the leather boots

Fact: Initially, distances from London were measured from a specific place called the Charing Cross, where the statue now stands.

You might ignore this statue while looking at Trafalgar Square, and the national gallery but hey you are in London and every damn thing has a history...