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Description: | An over-life size equestrian statue of the Third Marquis of Londonderry clothed in elaborate Hussar uniform. Reining in his mount, the now green copper figure, stands high above a large sandstone pedestal in the centre of Durham's Market Place. The sculptor is said to have used a painting of Londonderry for details of features and dress. (1) Additional Information: Charles Stewart (1788-1854) was born in Dublin on 18 May, 1788. Educated at Eton, at the age of 16 he embarked on what was to become a successful military career. His courage as Adjutant-General under the Duke of Wellington earned him the name of 'The Bold Sabreur'. Following his marriage to Frances Anne Vane-Tempest, an Irish heiress to large estates in Durham and Ireland, he moved to Wynard Park near Stockton. When his half-brother Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, the Second Marquis of Londonderry killed himself in 1822, Charles Vane succeeded him to become the Third Marquis. The same year he bought the Seaham estate, a purchase that included several collieries. His plans for the expansion of the town found fruition in 1831 with the completion of the Seaham harbour and docks.(2) Londonderry's opposition to trade unions and general hostility to reforms made him much disliked as an employer. His reputation as the most ruthless colliery owner in the North was strengthened by the 'Seaham Letter'. Written to the merchants of his town this threatened damage on those supplying any striking union members. (3) A revisionist history, however, suggests that Londonderry was, an 'above-average employer'. He provided his men with free houses and schools, conceded to the miners' demands in the 1831 strike and negotiated with them in the strike of 1844.(4) Although he forbade official inspection of his mines, his desire for improved safety was exhibited by the sponsorship of Dr. William Ried Clanny's miners' lamp which was to precede Davy's safety lamp.(5) He died at Holdernesse House, London on March 6, 1854.(6) | Subjects: | Â Statue | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Sculptor: Monti, Raffaelle Stonemason: Winter, T. | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=7509... | Go to resource |
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