Was the King Billy statue was moved during WW2? Here's a picture of it on the back of a lorry in 1948... http://www.thisishullandeastriding....s-18719792-detail/pictures.html#axzz2WxHcjb7G The stirrups/suicide thing is listed as a myth on Facts About Hull true/myth website.
So what's the symbolism behind portraying him as a Roman ? Is it a hat-tip to Constantine the Great who converted the Empire to Christianity in the early part of the 4th century AD? Or Claudius who invaded and conquered Britain in AD43? I'm a bit confused now.
The only statue removed from Hull for the duration of WW2 was indeed King Billy. It was taken to the village of Sancton near Market Weighton and came back to Hull in 1948 as shown by OLM. My husband's uncle worked as a labourer for the company which carried out the removal. Taken from " A Century Of Hull" by David Gerrard. "The gleaming, gilded sculpture of William 111 is one of the most impressive equestrian statues in Britain. Hull was the first major city to declare it's allegience to William of Orange in the 1685 Revolution which deposed James 11. This magnificent statue by the Dutch sculptor Peter Scheemaker, showing his compatriot garbed as a Roman Emperor, was erected in 1734. It was funded by a public subscription at a cost of 785 guineas. The gilding was added in 1768 and has been frequently been renewed over the years".
I went to the Grammar School. We had a statue of Andrew Marvell in the grounds on Bishop Alcock Road. Was it the same one? It had a lot less fingers by the time I saw it. Anybody know where it is now? The King Billy that played in goal was probably Billy Bly.
