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Statues and Busts. Paul Kruger Statue in Church Square Pretoria
This statue of Paul Kruger and its associated sentries in Church Square is a famous landmark in the city. The groups of statues was presented to Pretoria by Sammy Marks who donated 10000 pounds to the city of Pretoria for the sculpting thereof. The sculptor was Anton Van Vouw and casting was done in Italy. The base for the statues was completed by 1899, but the statues were held up by the Boer War at Delagoa Bay. The 4 sentries were removed to England by Lord Kitchener after the Boer War, but were returned to South Africa after intervention by Louis Botha and Jan Smuts. The statue was finally unveiled on 24 May 1913 but at a site in Prince's Park. The completed statue with sentries was finally unveiled by General JBM Hertzog on 10 October 1925, and then moved to its current position in 1954 and unveiled by Dr DF Malan on 10 October 1954. It has remained there ever since, very controversial, but definitely an integral part of Pretoria and a firm favourite with the city pigeons.
© DR Walker 2011-2012. Created 23 September 2003 |
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