Statue of William Shakespeare

The Statue of William Shakespeare is a bronze figure located at Leicester Square in London that depicts the playwright standing with a quill in one hand while his other rests on a stack of books beside him. The monument sits at the center of a fountain with water features that make it visible from all angles within the gardens.

The statue was installed in 1874 when financier Albert Grant purchased and refurbished Leicester Square as a public garden. This installation marked the transformation of the space into a recreational area for the city.

The scroll in Shakespeare's hand displays words from Twelfth Night: 'There Is No Darkness But Ignorance'. This inscription reflects the writer's lasting importance to English literature and learning.

The monument sits in an active garden area and is easily accessible on foot since it stands at the center of Leicester Square. The fountain layout provides multiple viewpoints, so visitors can view the statue from different locations.

The monument underwent complete restoration work in 2012 by London Stone Carving Limited to preserve its original condition. Additional water features were introduced to the fountain in 2014, enhancing the display around the statue.

GPS coordinates: 51.52970,-0.12750

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48