Statue of Queen Anne

The Statue of Queen Anne stands in the forecourt of St Paul's Cathedral's western entrance, showing the monarch in ceremonial robes with the Order of the Garter collar, holding a gilded orb and scepter. The marble monument was created as a replacement for the deteriorating original work from 1712.

The statue originated from a commission in 1712 when sculptor Francis Bird created the original work. In 1885, a marble replica was designed by Richard Claude Belt and completed by Louis-Auguste Malempré because the original had suffered significant weathering.

The four figures at the pedestal represent England, France, Ireland, and North America, showing how the monarch was viewed during her reign. These symbolic representations reflect the global perspective of early 18th-century British power.

The monument stands in the western forecourt of the cathedral and is easily accessible from Ludgate Hill. The location offers a good vantage point for viewing the cathedral's front facade.

The original statue from 1712 was not destroyed but vanished over time and was later discovered in an abandoned stonemason's yard near Hastings. It now stands in Holmhurst St Mary church, preserving a direct link to the monument's early history.

Location: City of London

Inception: 1886

Creator: Richard Claude Belt

Part of: list of statues of British royalty in London

GPS coordinates: 51.51370,-0.09990

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44