Title:

Prince

Military Rank:

General

First Name:

Rupert

Memorial Type:

Monument - Statue

Does the monument still exist?

Yes

Installation Date:

1911

Inscription:

The statue has no inscription, and just bears the title (or mis-title) of ‘Prince Rupert’.

Allegiance:

Royalist

Condition:

Good

Condition Description:

It looks to be in a decent condition, although in need of painting

Memorial Notes:

On the southside of Cathedral Square, Peterborough, is a mock-Tudor building which is currently (2023) occupied by Pizza Express. Originally a branch of Boots the Chemist, it was designed by Michael Vyne Treleaven (who was Boots’ own architect) and dated 1911.

The façade contained five statues, depicting Athelwold, King Peada of Mercia, Henry VIII, Prince Rupert, and the Earl of Essex. These were sculpted by Gilbert Seale and Son of Camberwell, London. In addition to Pizza Express, the premises have also been occupied by Wimpy, and Burger King.

The statute labelled ‘Prince Rupert’ bears more than a passing resemblance to his uncle, King Charles I. Like that of the neighbouring statue of the Earl of Essex, it is thought that it has been mis-titled.