Equestrian Statue of George I in Grosvenor Square

 

 

 

The Equestrian Statue of George I .
Wearing Roman armour.
in Grosvenor Square.

by John van Nost II

 

 

 

Engraving of Grosvenor Square by T Bowles.

Pub. Dec 1751.

 

 

 

Cropped from the Engraving of Grosvenor Square by T Bowles

Pub. Dec 1751.

 

British Museum.

 

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Old and New London pub. 1878 -

 

There was formerly in the centre of the square a gilt statue of George I. on horseback, but the pedestal is now vacant. This statue was made by Van Nort, and was erected by Sir Richard Grosvenor in 1726, "near the redoubt called Oliver's Mount." Soon after it was put up, says Malcolm, "some villains dismembered it in the most shameful manner, and affixed a traitorous paper to the pedestal."

 

 

..... was an equestrian effigy of King George I, made of lead and wholly gilded, on a stone pedestal, for which Sir Richard contracted with John Nost in July 1725. It was to be based on Nost's statue of the king at Canons *, except that it was to be in Roman martial dress. The statue was erected, facing east, in about August 1726.  It was subjected to malicious damage in March 1727, but was promptly repaired by Nost.

 

Agreement of 26 July 1725, John Nost and Sir Richard Grosvenor

 

The St. James's Evening Post, 16–18 Aug. 1726.

The Daily Journal, 14, 16 March 1727: The Daily Courant, 16 March 1727: G.O., misc. box 6, bill from John Nost, 25 May.

*The Canons equestrian statue was sold in 1744 and re erected in Leicester Square.

 

 

 

 

Grosvenor Square

Engraving by T Maurer.

166 x 282 mm.

1746

British Museum.

 

 

 

Crop from Grosvenor Square.

Engraving by T Maurer.

1746

British Museum.

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Original engraving for Stow's Survey of  circa 1730.

332 x 454 mm

This state 1754.

British Museum.

 

 

 

 

Crop from the Original engraving for Stow's Survey of  circa 1730.

332 x 454 mm

This state 1754.

British Museum.

It was reported still in position  in the 1850's

see -

                    London as it is To-day: Where to Go, and what to See, During the Great Exhibition pub 1851

by 1860 it had been removed

see - 

Stanford's New London Guide: With Two Maps

By Edward Stanford Ltd 1860