Missing sceptre to be replaced on King's statue

A sceptre that went missing from a seafront statue about 40 years ago is to be replaced.

The monument to King George III was installed on Weymouth's Esplanade in 1809 to mark the monarch's Golden Jubilee.

But the 5ft-long (1.5m) staff, topped with a cross, disappeared from his right hand some time between 1977 and 1986.

Dorset Council is working with Historic England and the town's civic society to reinstate the accessory to the Grade I listed landmark.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, culture councillor Ryan Hope said: "We've got absolutely no idea how the sceptre went missing.

"We are talking to organisations to find out who could replace it. It's not an off-the-shelf item and, unfortunately, we don't have the original cast for it to be remade.

"We are working with the civic society to make sure the design is as near as possible to the original."

Mr Hope said the work was expected to cost about £8,000, including the fixings and the railings.

He asked anyone with information or photos that might solve the mystery of the sceptre's disappearance, or help with the design of its replacement, to contact Dorset Council.

King George III was a frequent visitor to Weymouth, staying there while recovering from illness.

His patronage marked a turning point for the town which became one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK.

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