Wilberforce Monument

The Wilberforce Monument stands in Queen’s Gardens at the eastern end of Hull’s old dock area. A tall Doric column of ashlar blocks supports a statue of William Wilberforce, the city’s most famous abolitionist. The plinth at the base carries four inscriptions and a wreath on each side. Four carved urns mark the corners of the pedestal. The monument was moved here in 1935 when traffic plans changed around Whitefriargate. Wilberforce was born in Hull in 1759 and served in Parliament from 1780 to 1825. He led the campaign that ended the slave trade and died days after the Slavery Abolition Act passed in 1833. Within five days of his death the mayor received a petition to build a monument. Local sculptor Feort carved the gritstone statue as an afterthought. The column was designed by W. H. Clarks and built by Myers and Wilson. Visitors find a square capital and corniced tholobate at the top of the column. A time capsule buried during the 1935 move included newspapers, coins and a Wilberforce House Medal. The gardens around the monument were opened by Herbert Morrison. The original site now lies beneath Princes Quay shopping centre.