The Black Prince

A grey day indeed in Leeds but the hero of Crecy and
Poitiers has no concern for cloud and light rain or the
hustling of pigeons. In the late 19th Century when City
Square was being redeveloped the need for an inspirational
statue was recognised. Cometh the time, cometh the man in
the name of Col. Thomas Walter Harding who was prepared
to bear the full cost of a bronze of the Black Prince. Born 1330
he was the son of Edward 111 and was so named due to his
black shield and armour. The statue was unveiled on
Sept 16th 1903 in spite of criticism from various quarters.
At the unveiling this was answered by Col. Harding in
the following words:-
"The hero of Crecy and Poitiers, the flower of English chivalry,
the upholder of the English people, would remain an emblem
of manly and unselfish virtues"