As part of a renovation of the area around York Minster, the square outside the west end will be known as Queen Elizabeth Square, and one of the Minster stonemasons created this statue of Queen Elizabeth II which is placed in a niche in the Minster looking down over the paved area.
The statue was put in place in August and was due to be unveiled in September to mark the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen. Sadly, before that was done, the Queen died and the unveiling was postponed. Contact was made with the Palace, and King Charles III was invited to York to unveil it.
King Charles III came to York on Wednesday last week and the statue was finally revealed, the first statue of his mother unveiled by him since he became king.
The visit wasn't without a negative side - a solitary protester threw eggs at King Charles III near Micklegate Bar, the ceremonial Royal entrance to the city. He missed his target, but was promptly arrested and taken away by the police. It turns out that he is something of a regular protester - a member of Extinction Rebellion, and an activist in two widely publicised squats in the city.
I was pleased to get the shot of the statue between the two old gas lights, one of the many historical features around the Minster.
My photos were taken three days after the unveiling. I didn't want to be in the massive crowds during the Kings visit.
What a beautiful statue! I read about the protest. The King was brilliant. He just kept moving as if nothing had happened.
Cannot stand those protestors. All they do is make ordinary people suffer and alienate the general public. They should be targeting Govt not the public.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I was surprised just how many people were outside the west end of the Minster taking photos of this statue. It has immediately become one of the most popular landmarks in the city!
We are very fortunate to live here. Both my wife and I came to York as students (we didn't know each other when we came here) and stayed here after our courses. We've been here over 40 years and are still making new discoveries about the city.
Ian
January 2nd, 2023
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Cannot stand those protestors. All they do is make ordinary people suffer and alienate the general public. They should be targeting Govt not the public.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I was surprised just how many people were outside the west end of the Minster taking photos of this statue. It has immediately become one of the most popular landmarks in the city!
Ian
Looks very good
Thank you all. I think it shows the great abilities of the Minster stonemasons.
Ian
We are very fortunate to live here. Both my wife and I came to York as students (we didn't know each other when we came here) and stayed here after our courses. We've been here over 40 years and are still making new discoveries about the city.
Ian