King William III Statue (King Billy)
King William III Statue, affectionately known as 'King Billy,' is a historic 1734 monument in Hull, a symbol of the 'Glorious Revolution.'
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King William III Statue (King Billy)
Best Time
Best for viewing the statue
Highlights
Must-see attractions
King William III Statue, affectionately known as 'King Billy,' is a historic 1734 monument in Hull, a symbol of the 'Glorious Revolution.'
"A significant historical landmark in Hull, the 'King Billy' statue is a point of local pride and discussion. "
🗣️ Ask about 'King Billy'
Locals affectionately call the statue 'King Billy.' It's a common point of reference!
🧐 Check the horse stirrups
Locals debate the lack of stirrups on the horse – a quirky detail to notice!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
King William III Statue
Market Street, Kingston upon Hull
The iconic bronze statue of King William III on horseback, a central landmark in Hull.
'Queen of Colours' Mural
Side of the 'King Billy' pub
A vibrant, large-scale mural celebrating the Queen and King, adding a splash of color to the area.
The Drinking Fountain
On the statue's plinth
An inscription on the plinth calls William the 'great deliverer,' above a historic drinking fountain.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'King Billy' Nickname
Contextualize the Statue's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Ask about 'King Billy'
Locals affectionately call the statue 'King Billy.' It's a common point of reference!
🧐 Check the horse stirrups
Locals debate the lack of stirrups on the horse – a quirky detail to notice!
🎨 Admire the mural
Don't miss the 'Queen of Colours' mural on the nearby pub for a burst of art.
🚶♂️ Explore the surroundings
While the statue is a highlight, the surrounding shopping area has seen closures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Ask about 'King Billy'
Locals affectionately call the statue 'King Billy.' It's a common point of reference!
🧐 Check the horse stirrups
Locals debate the lack of stirrups on the horse – a quirky detail to notice!
🎨 Admire the mural
Don't miss the 'Queen of Colours' mural on the nearby pub for a burst of art.
🚶♂️ Explore the surroundings
While the statue is a highlight, the surrounding shopping area has seen closures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the King William III Statue a significant historical landmark in Hull, often referred to affectionately as 'King Billy.' While the statue itself is well-maintained and historically interesting, some reviewers note the decline in the surrounding shopping areas. The nearby 'Queen of Colours' mural adds a positive artistic element.
"The statue known locally as King Billy is King William Ill or William of orange as he is also known. The statue was erected in 1734. There have been lots of local arguments over the fact that there are no stirops on the horse, and some people think he looks more roman than dutch. King William invaded England in 1688 (known as the glorious revolution). and deposed the unpopular Catholic king James. William, a protestant, then ruled England jointly with his wife Mary. The statue was reguilded a few years ago and still looks in remarkable condition today. On the front of the plinth above, the drinking fountain is an inscription
Saying the great deliverer. The statue is one of Hull's most famous landmarks. In front of the plinth are the gents toilets (closed) with nice tiles and glass cisterns that years ago used to have gold fish living in them."
Andrew Nell
"Statue great ,shopping area around it was desolate, never seen Hull in such a state of shops closed,What is left in Princess Quay - God help anyone coming for Christmas shopping ,Went into Sally's Hair to be told they close on August 24th"
karen clarkson
"Nice statue lovely story behind it."
Hepworth Paul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The King William III Statue, known as 'King Billy,' is located in Market Street, Kingston upon Hull. It's a central landmark easily accessible on foot within the city center. Public transport options to Hull city center are plentiful, with buses and trains serving the area.
There are several car parks available in the vicinity of Market Street and the surrounding shopping areas in Hull. It's advisable to check local parking apps or signage for the most up-to-date information on availability and charges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the King William III Statue is a public monument and can be viewed at any time without a ticket. It's an outdoor landmark in the heart of Hull.
As an outdoor statue, there are no specific opening hours. You can visit and view the King William III Statue at any time of day or night.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best lighting and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon. The statue is also adjacent to a vibrant mural, offering diverse photo opportunities.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography of the King William III Statue. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any local regulations.
🎫 📍 Nearby Attractions
The statue is located in the city center of Hull, near shopping areas and other historical sites. While some shopping areas have faced closures, the nearby 'King Billy' pub features a striking 'Queen of Colours' mural.
The statue is a key landmark in Hull and often features in discussions about the city's history, including the 'Glorious Revolution.' It's a good starting point for exploring Hull's heritage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit with a walk through Hull's city center, keeping in mind that some shopping areas have seen closures. 🚶♀️ History Buffs
🎨 Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind 'King Billy'
Despite these quirky local observations, the statue remains one of Hull's most recognizable landmarks. It was regilded a few years ago, ensuring it retains its remarkable condition and continues to be a prominent feature of the city. The plinth bears an inscription calling William the 'great deliverer,' a testament to his historical significance.
While the statue itself is a point of historical pride, the surrounding shopping area has experienced a decline, with many shops closing down. This contrast between the enduring historical monument and the changing commercial landscape is a notable aspect of the area.
Artistic and Local Perspectives
The mural's presence offers a visual dialogue between Hull's historical figures and its contemporary artistic expression, making the vicinity a more engaging space for visitors. Local sentiment towards the statue is mixed with affection and a touch of playful skepticism. The nickname 'King Billy' is widely used, reflecting a sense of local ownership and familiarity.
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