Statue

Built 1840-50 by Sir Charles Barry. The river frontage is adorned with statues of British sovereigns from William the Conqueror to Queen Victoria. The north front has statues of sovereigns before that. We've read that there are 370 statues on the outside of the Palace of Westminster. Everywhere you look there are statues and many seem to be historical figures (rather than allegorical or biblical). Supervising sculptor for all - John Thomas, some of whose drawings are held by the V&A. We imagine that other sculptors were also involved.

So this Queen Victoria is just a marker for all the rest of the statues. Basically, we know our limits and this building has defeated us. First the bollards and now this - we must be getting old.