Statue of the Earl of Derby, Parliament Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of the Earl of Derby |
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The sculpture in 2015
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| Artist | Matthew Noble |
| Year | 1874 |
| Subject | Earl of Derby |
| Designation | Grade II-listed |
| Location | Parliament Square, London |
| 51°30′03″N 0°07′38″W / 51.5008°N 0.1273°W | |
This article is about a statue of Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby. He was an important politician and served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom three times. The statue is located in Parliament Square in London, England.
The artist who created this sculpture was Matthew Noble. The statue was officially revealed on July 11, 1874. It is considered a historic building or structure, known as a Grade II-listed statue.
About the Statue's Unveiling
The statue was officially revealed in a special ceremony. The Prime Minister at the time, Benjamin Disraeli, led the event. Many important people attended the ceremony.
These included Derby's son, Edward Stanley, 15th Earl of Derby. Other notable guests were dukes, earls, and many Members of Parliament. A large number of ladies also came to see the unveiling.
After the statue was revealed, Prime Minister Disraeli gave a speech. He said that the statue was not just a memory of Derby. He hoped it would also inspire people. Disraeli wanted it to be an example for others to follow.
What the Statue Shows
The statue stands on a base made of granite. This base has four sides. Each side features a bronze picture, called a relief. These pictures show different important moments from Derby's life.
One picture shows Derby speaking in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. He is talking during a debate about slavery. Another relief shows him at a meeting of the Cabinet. This is a group of top government ministers.
A third picture shows Derby at a meeting for the Lancashire Cotton Famine. This committee helped people during a difficult time when cotton supplies were low. The last picture shows him becoming the Chancellor of the University of Oxford. This was a very important role at the famous university.
