Black Prince - Memories of the Leeds landmark which points the way

The statue of the Black Prince was commissioned by Thomas Harding, the Mayor of Leeds, to celebrate Leeds' new status as a city. A local champion, such as crusader Henry de Lacy, was rejected in favour of a nationally prominent figure: Edward the Black Prince, eldest son of Edward III. It was created by leading sculptor Sir Thomas Brock and was so large that it had to be cast in Belgium, as there was no foundry in Britain large enough - and be towed into Leeds by canal boat. The bronze sculpture was unveiled in front of thousands of spectators on City Square in September 1903. The inscription reads 'Hero of Crecy and Poitiers'. The flower of England chivalry, the upholder of the rights of the people in the Good Parliament.' These photo gems celebrate its life in the city down the decades and are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 27 photos of City Square through the years LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook