Derby Monument

The Derby Monument is a memorial dedicated to the 14th Earl of Derby, who died in 1869. It was completed in 1873 and designed by M. Noble of London. The monument is made of grey polished granite and white marble. It features a punched granite base and a square pedestal of grey polished granite that stands approximately 4 meters high. The pedestal has chamfered corners, a moulded foot, and a prominent cornice. The front of the pedestal is inscribed with the following details: "EDWARD GEOFFREY STANLEY / 14th EARL OF DERBY K.C. / BORN 29th MARCH 1799 / DIED 23rd OCTOBER 1869." The rear of the pedestal reads: "NORTH AND NORTH EAST / LANCASHIRE / DERBY MEMORIAL / 1873."

Atop the pedestal is a statue made of Sicilian white marble, approximately 3.3 meters high, depicting the Earl of Derby as if he is addressing the House of Lords. He is shown standing with a scroll in his right hand, while his robe of rank is draped over a pile of books behind his leg. Before becoming the Earl, Edward Geoffrey Stanley served as the Member of Parliament for Preston from 1826 to 1830 and for North Lancashire from 1832 to 1844. He also held the position of Prime Minister in 1852, 1858-1859, and 1866-1868. The monument was erected on the site of a former gazebo, which is now located in Avenham Park.