Tomorrow (Saturday), Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society is organising a public meeting in Pembroke Town Hall to launch Pembroke’s second statue project, following the success of the Henry VII statue. This statue will celebrate William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke in the 800th anniversary year of his death in 1219.

William Marshal was a great figure in our history: in a remarkable career, he rose from penniless younger son of a minor noble to Regent of England, after winning fame as tournament champion, warrior and statesman who was unswervingly loyal to four kings. William was central to the negotiations that led to Magna Carta. On King John’s death in 1216, he became Regent and guardian of the boy king Henry III and re-issued Magna Carta under his own seal, thus ensuring its survival. He truly was the Greatest Knight.

Harriet Addyman, sculptor of the Henry VII statue, has been commissioned and she will present the maquette (scale model) of the William Marshal statue at the meeting. It will be an ambitious and impressive sculpture: a life size figure seated on a horse.

Again, the society will be working with Pembroke Town Council’s regeneration committee and it is intended that this will again be a community-wide project. So come along to find out more. The proceedings will begin at 10.30 am, but the Town Hall will be open from 10 am for a coffee and cake. Entry will be free, although donations would be most welcome as all the proceeds of the morning will go to the statue project.

If you wish to find out more, see our website www.pembrokeandmonktonhistory.org.uk or email [email protected]. or phone Linda on 07584429224