Equestrian statue of George III

The Equestrian Statue of George III stands on a small traffic island where Pall Mall meets Cockspur Street, a few steps from Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster. It is a Grade II listed bronze, and one of those London monuments that most people pass without noticing, even though it carries a surprisingly lively story.

What is the statue?

The monument shows King George III on horseback, cast in bronze and raised on a pedestal of Portland stone. The king is dressed in the so-called Windsor uniform, a plain military-style coat he favoured at court. His mount is Adonis, said to have been the king's preferred horse for about twenty years. The sculptor took care over the detail: the horse is shown with correct harness and saddle, as if ready for an ordinary ride.

Who made it and when?

The work is by Matthew Cotes Wyatt (1777–1862), a Londoner and the youngest son of the architect James Wyatt. He began as a painter and turned to modelling and carving around 1812, largely teaching himself. The statue is usually dated to the mid-1830s, and it was erected in 1836 at the junction of Cockspur Street and Pall Mall East. Wyatt had originally hoped to build a grand allegorical national memorial to the king. The design was admired, but money ran out and the plan was dropped, so the equestrian figure became the lasting result.

Why was it mocked?

Critics at the time were not kind. Wyatt portrayed the king faithfully, including the old-fashioned wig and pigtail that had already gone out of fashion. Londoners found this amusing, and the nearby street picked up the nickname "Pigtail Street". Even so, the Victorian Web describes the statue as probably Wyatt's best piece of work, and it has aged better than its first reception suggested.

Why visit?

• It is an easy stop on a walk between Trafalgar Square, St James's and the Mall.
• It offers a good example of early Victorian public sculpture and the taste for lifelike royal portraits.
• The setting is central, so it fits naturally into a day of sightseeing in Westminster.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is it? On the island at the junction of Pall Mall and Cockspur Street, close to Trafalgar Square.

Is it protected? Yes. It was listed at Grade II on 9 January 1970.

What is the horse called? Adonis, the king's favourite horse for roughly two decades.

Why is the street associated with a pigtail? Because of the king's pigtail and wig, shown exactly as he wore them, which people found old-fashioned and amusing.

Does it cost anything to see? No. It stands in the open street and can be viewed at any time.

How long should I allow? Five to ten minutes is enough, ideally combined with nearby attractions.