7 NOVEMBER 1947, Page 16

ROYAL STATUES

Sra,—In his interesting article on the Royal statues of London Mr. Warren Postbridge refers to the somewhat obscure position occupied by the statue of Queen Elizabeth, which in her lifetime stood over the Ludgate of London, and later, when the London Wall had been taken•down, after having been subjected to gross indignity was finally placed where it now stands. May a veteran " Old Westminster " venture to suggest another site, dignified but not obtrusive, where the effigy of the great queen would be worthily placed, and where it would recall one of her most memorable acts? At Westminster there is an archway leading from Great into Little Dean's Yard, and that Little Yard is the home of Westminster School, which Queen Elizabeth made a Royal foundation ; the school which, after interruption by cruel vicissitudes, has courageously resumed the work which she established. There still, on proper occasions, tribute is paid to the memory of Fundatrix nostra Elizabetha Regina. Her statue, set over the entrance archway, would be in a position worthy of the original, and a reminder to those who pass under it of what they owe to her zeal for sound learning and religious education.

A further reason may be added. Westminster School is closely associ- ated with Trinity College, Cambridge ; and over the great gate of Trinity is set the statue of its founder, King Henry VIII. Would not the statue of his daughter be fittingly placed over the entrance to the school of which she was the foundress? It is possible, of course, that the existing statue, in size or character, may not be artistically or technically suitable for the setting suggested ; but should that not be the case, surely on every other ground it could find no more fitting resting-placcs—I am, yours faithfully,