Summary

TypeCoat of Arms ,Statue

    The Queen is represented standing, the crown on her head, the Order of St. George round her neck, and with the sceptre in her right hand and the orb in her left. Her sceptre is held pointing downwards. The Queen looks imperiously upwards and to her right. The statue has a substantial oval self-base.The plinth is also oval in general section, with an elaborate cornice, and four projections, corresponding with the four surrounding allegorical figures. Between the projections are panels with frame mouldings. The whole structure stands on a circular platform with four steps, and is surrounded by a cast iron railing.To the front of the plinth stands a cartouche with the Royal Arms. Britannia, to the left of it, supports it with her left hand. From the four projections on the plinth, volutes curve outwards and down to form seats for the four female personifications.Before the removal of her head, Britannia was looking upwards to her left, and wearing a laurel wreath upon her head. She is amply dressed, with Minerva's breastplate with a gorgon mask, worn as a sash. With her right hand she supports a metal trident. Her left hand is resting on the cartouche with the Royal Arms."France" is seated and looking slightly downwards to her right. She is amply clad and wears on her head a helmet with three fleurs-de-lis on the visor, surmounted by a plume sweeping back. Her right hand rests on a substantial truncheon, whose other end is upon the ground.. With her right hand she holds a large mural crown, which rests on her advanced left leg. Unlike Britannia, who is opposite to her at the front of the monument, she has no physical contact with the cartouche with the Royal Arms."America" is to the back of the monument on the North side. She looks upwards to her right and wears a feathered head-dress. Her body is naked, except for a feathered skirt and a drapery traversing her loins. This hangs between her legs and folds about her right arm. Her hair falls onto her shoulders. She has a quiver of arrows on her back, supported by a strap, which appears over her left shoulder. In her left hand she supports a metal bow. Her right hand is raised and appears to have been clasping something, possibly an arrow. Her naked right foot rests on a severed, bearded male head, behind which stands a large lizard."Ireland" is seated at the back on the south side. She is well draped but has a bare left breast. Her hair is loose and hangs down her back. A harp rests on her right thigh, supported by both hands.
     When it was decided to replace Bird's statue of Queen Anne, the contract was given to Messrs. Mowlem and Sons who employed Richard Belt for the work. After preparing the model, he apparently asked to be released from the employment and the artistic work was carried out by Monsieur Louis Auguste Malempre [CLC 24 March 1886]. It was unveiled by the Lord Mayor on 15 Dec 1886A letter from Richard Belt requesting that his name might be placed upon the replica was not complied with for the City Lands Committee were informed by Messrs Mowlem that the old statue was made good with plaster as a model for the new figures by men under Belt's direction, but that Belt did not personally execute any of the work on the marble replica. His request was turned down.See Co. Co. Minutes and Reports 4 December 1884 and 24 March 1887 and the City Lands Committee Minutes (subject 'Queen Anne's Statue)Excess expenditure of £116.8- was allowed.
    

Inscriptions

On the South side of the pedestal: The Original STATUE/ was erected on this spot in the year 1712/ to commemorate the completion of/ SAINT PAUL'S CATHEDRAL/ FRANCIS BIRD Sculptor.On cartouche: HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSEOn North side of the pedestal: This Replica/ of the Statue of QUEEN ANNE/ was erected at the expense of/ The CORPORATION of LONDON/ In the Year 1886/ The Rt. Hon./SIR REGINALD HANSON M.A.F.S.A./ Lord Mayor/ Wm. BRAHAM Esq./ Chairman of the City Lands Committee.

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