George II Statue

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The statue of King George II, located in the Royal Square, St Helier, is Jersey's first public statue, erected on July 9, 1751. It was commissioned by the States of Jersey in recognition of the King's contribution to the development of St Helier's harbour. The gilded-lead statue depicts a life-size George II in Roman attire, a popular artistic style of the 18th century reflecting the era's rediscovery of classical antiquity. The market square was renamed Royal Square in honour of the king at this time, having previously been the island's original town market with medieval origins.

Restoration work in 1998-1999 revealed the statue to be one of the finest surviving examples of lead sculpture in the British Isles, showcasing intricate design and fine detail. The statue notably stood during the Battle of Jersey, and some marks on its surface are believed to be from musket fire. The current granite pedestal is not original and was installed in 1819; distances on island milestones are measured from this pedestal. Important proclamations, such as the announcement of a new monarch, continue to be made from a projecting granite platform in front of the statue.

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Jersey Philatelic Bureau: +44 (0)1534 616717