Statue of the Earl of Derby, Bronze statue in Parliament Square, United Kingdom.
The Statue of the Earl of Derby stands on Parliament Square, showing Edward Smith-Stanley in formal dress positioned on a granite base. All four sides of the pedestal feature detailed bronze reliefs depicting scenes from his life.
The sculptor Matthew Noble created this monument in 1874, when Parliament Square was becoming a center for commemorative statues. It later received Grade II Listed status, recognizing it as a building of historical importance.
The bronze reliefs on the pedestal show important moments from Derby's political life, including his stance against slavery in Parliament. These carved scenes let visitors understand what he stood for without reading any text.
The monument is located in an accessible spot near the Houses of Parliament, allowing you to view it from multiple angles. You can examine the bronze reliefs and the formal figure clearly from different positions around the pedestal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli himself conducted the unveiling ceremony, highlighting how valued this figure was among Britain's political leaders. This high-profile dedication showed the political standing that Derby held during his lifetime.
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