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Description: | Standing figure of Wolfe on a tall pedestal on top of steps. He is wearing a tricorne hat, cloak and belted coat, and is holding a telescope in his right hand in front of his chest. A finger of his left hand is on his belt. His legs are long-gartered. The stone plinth is carved on all sides. On the north east face is a panel carved with a crown backed by four flags, surmounting curved maple leaves. There is foliate carving on base of the maple. Inset in the centre is a Tudor rose. The panel on the south west face is similar but a fleur-de-lis replaces the rose. On the south east face is a panel carved with the inscription. On the north west face is a laurel wreath, broken at the top, with crossed bands and ribbon ends at the bottom. This encloses a raised plaque with inscription. The statue stands on a terrace at the top of the hill in Greenwich Park with a tremendous view over the Museum and Naval College to Canary Wharf and beyond. Additional Information: Major General Sir James Wolfe who defeated the French at Quebec in 1759. He was born 1727 in Westerham, Kent, son of General Edward Wolfe. Entered father's regiment in 1741. Despite poor health and a frail physique he fought in Flanders and Holland in the War of Austrian Succession, 1742-47. Command of Regiment of 20th Foot aged only 22. Commanded regiments in Scotland and south of England between 1748-57. Appointed Quartermaster General on expedition against French at Rochefort 1757-58, a failure due to his men refusing to carry out his plan. The King, George II, said of him: Mad is he? Then I wish he would bite some of my other generals'. Overall commander at Quebec where, after months of deadlock, he surprised the French by climbing the arduous Heights of Abraham. Killed at moment of victory. His opposite the Marquis, also died shortly after the battle. Whilst crossing the St Lawrence river he is said to have quoted from Gray's Elegy: The paths of glory lead but to the grave'. Wolfe is buried close by in St Alfege's Church, Greenwich. He and his father lived at Macartney House, also close by. Overlooks statues of Captain Cook, Lord Nelson and George II all on or near the Prime Meridian. | Subjects: | Sculpture | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Sculptor: McKenzie, Robert Tait | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=6987... | Go to resource |
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Tray
James Wolfe (1727-1759) was the…
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