Equestrian statue of Charles II

The equestrian bronze depicts the monarch in Roman-style armor, barefoot of spurs or stirrups, crowned with a laurel wreath on his head. The work stands in the Upper Ward and shows the careful craftsmanship typical of its period.

Grinling Gibbons created this work in 1679, marking both the monarch's fiftieth birthday and twenty years since the restoration of royal rule. The piece emerged during a period when the nation was rebuilding after decades of political upheaval.

The sculpture draws from Roman artistic traditions and established new standards for how British royalty could be honored through monumental works. Today visitors see how the classical style influenced the way royal subjects were commemorated in public spaces.

The statue stands in an open courtyard where visitors can view it from multiple angles while exploring the castle grounds. The daylight hours provide the best viewing conditions and clearest sight lines throughout the Upper Ward area.

The piece carries a hidden inscription on the horse's rear left hoof recording the artist's name and completion date. This concealed signature reveals how craftspeople of the period marked their work even when viewers would rarely see it.

Location: Windsor and Maidenhead

Inception: 1678

Creator: Grinling Gibbons

GPS coordinates: 51.48387,-0.60379

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45