Thursday, March 30, 2023

A statue of Queen Elizabeth II will be unveiled in Oakham, Rutland, The statue is being created by Hywel Pratley, Replica on Show at Oakham Castle.


A statue of Queen Elizabeth II will be unveiled in Oakham, Rutland, in September 2023. The statue, which will be located outside Oakham Library, is being funded by private donations and Oakham Town Council.


The statue was commissioned by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, to commemorate the Queen's life and reign. Dr Furness said: "The Queen was a much-loved figure in Rutland, and her death came as a shock to us all. This statue will be a fitting tribute to her memory and a place for people to come and reflect on her life."

The statue is being created by Hywel Pratley, a sculptor who has previously worked on statues of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. The statue will be seven feet tall and made of bronze. It will show the Queen sitting on a plinth, with a corgi by her side.

The unveiling of the statue will take place on September 8, 2023, which would have been the Queen's 97th birthday. The statue will be open to the public and will be a permanent fixture in Oakham.

The statue is said to be a fitting tribute to the Queen, who was a popular and respected figure in Rutland. It will be a place for people to come and remember her life and reign.

If you would like to donate you use the bank account details shown in the picture below.



Queen Elizabeth II visited Rutland three times during her reign. Her first visit was on May 12, 1967, when she arrived by royal train at Oakham station. She then walked to Oakham Castle, where she made what was believed to be the first visit by a reigning monarch. At the castle, she unveiled a ceremonial horseshoe, made by her farrier, which had at its centrepiece a horseshoe from one of her own racehorses.

The Queen's most recent visit to Rutland was on May 14, 2001, when she and Prince Philip visited Uppingham School. They were given a tour of the school, and they met with students and staff.