Statue: Disraeli statue
Erection date: 19/4/1883
{Cut into the red marble immediately below the statue:}
Beaconsfield
{On the back of the plinth:}
Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield, K.G., 1804 - 1881
{On the statue base:}
H. Young & Co, Art Founders, Pimlico
{On the statue base:}
M. Raggi, Scp., Fecit. 1883, London
Site: Disraeli statue (1 memorial)
SW1, Parliament Square
Unveiled exactly two years after his death, this statue was central to the foundation of the Primrose League, an organisation formed to promote Conservative principles. The primrose was, apparently, Disraeli's favourite flower - Victoria had sent a primrose wreath to his funeral. A group of Conservatives arranged that on the day of the statue's unveiling all their MPs would wear a primrose. The organisation became very popular, with a motto and badges and so forth; it had one million paid up members at its peak. Each year on the anniversary of his death primrose wreaths were placed at this statue. The League was formally wound up in 2004.
