William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898)

Category: Statue

William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898)

At the centre of the north side of George Square stands this monument to Gladstone, one of Britain's most famous statesmen. The statue was made by Sir William Hamo Thornycroft, RA (1850-1925). It was erected in 1902. Gladstone was the leader of the Liberal Party from 1866, and was Prime Minister on four occasions: 1868-74, 1880-85, 1886 and 1892-94. His monument here carries the Glasgow Coat Of Arms as he was born in the city. He is seen with arms folded, wearing the robes of the Rector of University of Glasgow and holding a book. On the plinth are two scenes of Gladstone's life; his home at Hawarden, with his family enjoying their garden, and the House Of Commons, where he was a well-known and controversial figure over four decades. He is remembered for his attempts to establish Home Rule for Ireland.The way Gladstone holds the book in this statue hides the fact that he had lost one of his fingers.