'King Billy' statue to be assessed for restoration

The statue of William III has been standing in Hull's Market Place since 1734

A 290-year-old statue is being assessed for a possible restoration, Hull City Council has confirmed.

The Grade-I listed sculpture dedicated to King William III is in the city's Market Place, which is now part of the major A63/Castle Street roadworks project.

The condition of the gold-gilt landmark, which was erected in 1734, has deteriorated in recent years.

A council spokesperson said the authority has commissioned a "full survey and heritage assessment, which will inform any future investment and restoration".

They added: "The council values the importance of historic sites around the city, including our many notable statues."

The statue has been fenced off in recent years as improvement work to the nearby A63 takes place

The statue is one of Hull's most distinctive landmarks. An inscription on the pedestal reads: "This statue was erected in the year 1734 to the memory of King William the Third our Great Deliverer."

It was created by renowned Flemish-sculptor Peter Scheemakers, who was responsible for the William Shakespeare monument in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner.

Hull City Council has confirmed it will undertake a survey to assess what work is needed to restore the golden statue

John Scotney, chairman of the Hull Civic Society, said he felt "very sorry" to see the statue in its current state compared to how "splendid" it previously looked.

"King Billy's statue is part of the city's heritage and I would have hoped more protection could have been given to it during the roadworks on the A63.

"As a society we'll be keeping tabs on what happens and we'll be cheering any restoration project on.

"I'm pleased the matter is being raised and, the more people talk about it, the more likely it is that it will be put right."

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