Equestrian statue of William III

The Equestrian Statue of William III in Kingston upon Hull, known locally as "King Billy", is a gilded sculpture on Market Place in the heart of the Old Town. It is one of the city's best-known landmarks and an easy stop on a walk through the centre.

Who made it and what does it show?

The statue dates from 1734 and is the work of Peter Scheemakers, a sculptor from Antwerp who worked in England. It shows William III of Orange, who ruled England from 1689, on horseback in classical Roman dress. The figure is larger than life and covered in gilding, so it catches the light from some distance. It was paid for by public subscription, and the inscription on the pedestal praises the king as the nation's "great deliverer".

What can you see up close?

• A stone pedestal ringed by an iron guard rail.
• A plain drinking fountain added to the base in the nineteenth century.
• Four Victorian lamps at the corners of the plinth, made by the Hull firm King & Peach.
• An information plaque on the statue's history.

The statue has had an eventful life. During the Second World War it was taken out of the city for safekeeping and only returned to Market Place in 1948. A local legend says that when the clock of Holy Trinity strikes midnight, the king climbs down from his horse and goes for a drink.

Is it a protected monument?

Yes. Historic England lists the statue together with its lamps at Grade I, the highest category, on the National Heritage List for England (listed in 1952, amended in 1994).

How do you get there and when should you go?

Market Place is a short walk from Hull Paragon station and the Marina. The statue stands in the open, with no tickets or opening hours, so you can see it at any time. Visit on a sunny day to see the gilding at its brightest, or after dark for the lamps.

Any access limits?

Hull City Council commissioned a detailed condition survey in July 2025. Restoration is planned once the A63 improvement works are finished, since construction dust would put the work at risk. Scaffolding or barriers may therefore appear around the statue at some point, so check the council's website before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. It is a public monument you can visit free at any hour.

Who sculpted the William III statue in Hull? Peter Scheemakers, in 1734.

Why is the statue gold? It is gilded, which sets it apart from other monuments in the city. For the history of earlier gilding campaigns, consult local sources.

How long does a visit take? Ten to fifteen minutes is enough, ideally as one stop on a walk around Hull's Old Town.