Statue Of The Black Prince

The Statue of The Black Prince is an equestrian statue located in City Square, Leeds, and was erected in 1903. It was sculpted by T. Brock and features a two-stage plinth made of polished granite, along with bronze plaques and the statue itself. The bronze details include a band around the base of the plinth that has relief moulding of lion masks and scrolls, which display the names: 'JOHN WICLIF, JOHN CHANDOS, SIR WALTER DE MAUNAY, WILLIAM OF WYKEHAM, CHAUCER, FROISSART, JACOB VAN ARTEVELDE, and BERTRAND DU GUESCLIN'.

On the front plaque of the die, the inscription reads: 'EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES, SURNAMED THE BLACK PRINCE, THE HERO OF CRECY AND POITIERS, THE FLOWER OF ENGLAND'S CHIVALRY, THE UPHOLDER OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE GOOD PARLIAMENT, 1330-1376'; while the rear plaque states: 'THE GIFT OF T. WALTER HARDING, LORD MAYOR, 1898-1899, ERECTED 1903, T. BROCK RA Sc.' The plaques on each side of the die illustrate a land and a sea battle. The statue is topped with a deep moulded cornice and features an over life-size figure of the Black Prince in full armour.

Historically, Colonel T. Walter Harding was the owner of the Tower Works on Globe Road, which manufactured steel pins for carding. He was instrumental in the development of City Square, designed by William Bakewell and completed in 1902, coinciding with Edward VII's coronation and the conclusion of the Boer War. This statue likely serves as a tribute to Edward VII, who, as Prince of Wales, opened the General Infirmary in 1867 and the Yorkshire College buildings in 1885, and as king, opened the first new Leeds University buildings in 1908. The statue reflects the connection between Edward VII and the efforts of West Yorkshiremen to promote high-quality education in the region, particularly in the sciences and arts related to local industries, as represented by the names of notable figures from the time of the Black Prince, who were influential in politics, diplomacy, the church, and education.