A statue of Queen Victoria in Hyde Park, Leeds, has been defaced with graffiti labelling her a 'murderer', 'slave owner', 'coloniser', and 'racist'. The bronze sculpture on Woodhouse Moor was targeted amid ongoing protests following the toppling of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol.
The statue, created by sculptor George Frampton and unveiled in 1905, originally stood outside Leeds Town Hall. It features a Portland stone base flanked by bronzes of 'Peace' and 'Industry', supporting an enthroned bronze figure of Queen Victoria.
Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, four years after the Slavery Abolition Act was passed. During her reign, which ended with her death in 1901, the British Empire expanded significantly. She became Empress of India on 2 January 1877, on the advice of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, whose imperialist policies she supported.
Historic England has noted the statue's historical significance, while local authorities have yet to comment on plans for its restoration.
