King William IV

A somewhat large statue on the green at the college here in Greenwich. Dedicated to one of the kings and a spot that we passed on our way to more time-consuming activities.

Created in granite in the 1840s by Samuel Nixon it resided in King William St in the City for nearly 90 years. It was moved here to Greenwich in 1936. Not inappropriately, as before ascending to the Throne William put in place some beneficial substantial works in Greenwich.

Created in 1844 by the English portraitist and sculptor Samuel Nixon (1804-1854), this imposing Devonshire granite statue, representing King William IV (1765-1837; third son of King George III; reign: 1830-1837) was originally erected at the junction of King William Street and Cannon Street, opposite London Bridge, in London. But it had to be moved in 1935 (cause: road redevelopment) to the Greenwich Park site, in the backyard of the National Maritime Museum, a stone's throw from the Old Royal Naval College. This location may seem demeaning at first glance but it is not without meaning because William IV, often nicknamed "The Sailor King", was appointed Lord Grand Admiral of the Royal Navy in 1827. Moreover, the statue is a few steps away of an entrance to the Royal Park of Greenwich. The work entitled “Nelson's Ship in a Bottle” by contemporary artist Yinka Shonibare (born in London in 1964), representing a scaled-down version (1:30) of Horatio Nelson's flagship “The HMS Victory”, under whose command the future King William IV served in the Caribbean Sea in 1786, also nearby is the statue of William IV near the rear entrance of the National Maritime Museum. Ironically, this ephemeral work occupied from 2010 to 2012 the 4th plinth (NW) of Trafalgar Square, which was originally intended to house an equestrian statue of King William IV, a project abandoned for lack of public funding.

As you enter Greenwich park this statue greets you. Moved from it's original place to this location. The park is spectacular and do walk up to observatory. Take the less steep disabled recommended route up the hill and see the meridian timeline for free. It's £15 to go inside observatory. Then take steep way down and view over London is amazing.

Possibly Plymouth’s only public statue of a monarch. William IV came to the throne in 1830 the year that work began on Britain’s biggest purpose built victualling yard. As a long serving naval officer he became known as ‘The Sailor King’ and reigned during progressive times including an important update of the Poor Law, restrictions on child labour, the substantial abolition of slavery and the 1932 Reform Act. The naming of this important complex after him and the erection of an impressive statue of him was popular and appropriate. The gatehouse and rest of the buildings are made of granite and local limestone but it’s difficult to tell whether this statue is made of either or some other stone or materials. It’s an imposing figure and works well. If you find yourself at this end of the Stonehouse peninsula it’s worth taking a look. The approach is attractive and has great character as well as views across the Tamar estuary and many fine buildings.

King William IV reigned for a mere seven years between 1832-7 but died one of Britain’s most unpopular monarchs. Built in granite to a design by Samuel Nixon it is surprising it was commissioned at all let alone to stand from 1844 in a prominent position in King William Street in the City of London near the Victorian London Bridge which had opened in 1839. Proving an ever greater obstacle to traffic it was moved to its present location at the western rear entrance to the National Maritime Museum in 1936. It now sits close to a large sculpture of a ship in a bottle outside the entrance itself.

Upon entering Greenwich Park (by the National Maritime Museum) it is impossible not to notice the imposing statue of King William IV (King of the United Kingdom from 26 June 1830 – 20 June 1837 ). The statue was originally erected in 1844 in the City of London, but was moved to its current location in 1935.

We had enjoyed a pleasant trip along the Thames to Greenwich and had been to visit the National Maritime Museum. After our tour of the museum, we were on our way to visit the Queen's House. In the process, we came across this statue of King William IV. King William IV had a very close relationship with the Royal Navy and therefore it was not a great surprise to find this fine statue of him located in the vicinity of the National Maritime Museum. Worthy of a quick look if you happen to be visiting the museum!

King William IV, uncle and predecessor to Queen Victoria, abolished cat-'o-nine tails whipping in the Royal Navy in all but capital cases. For that alone, he deserves this granite statue on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College. He must have seen enough corporal punishment as a young sailor. After the heir and the spare, he was Number Three Son and never expected to be king. In royal tradition, he was allocated to the navy and even served Britain in the American Revolution. He tried for active service commissions in middle age and was ignored or given honorary titles, but, finally, as Lord High Admiral, he made a number of significant reforms and innovations.

This impressive granite statue of King William IV is located on the Grounds of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. The statue was originally set up in 1835 in King William Street in the city but was moved to its present location in 1936. He was the Maritime King and was known as the "Sailor King".