Sobieski Jan III - Equestrian statues

CountryUK
Town:Newby
Rider(s):Sobieski Jan III

(1629–1696) was one of the most notable monarchs of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and his reign was marked by stability. He was most famous for the victory over the Turks in the 1683 Battle of Vienna. The Ottomans named him the ‘Lion of Lechistan’ and the Pope called him ‘the saviour of European Christendom’.
Sculptor(s):Unknown

Description:

The statue was made in Italy and originally represented John Sobieski, King of Poland, trampling a Turk; it commemorated his victory in Vienna. The statue was bought in 1675 by Sir Robert Vyner (the goldsmith responsible for Charles II’s Coronation regalia) who brought it to London at the Restoration. Sir Robert had the head refashioned to represent Charles II and the lower figure represented Oliver Cromwell. In 1739 the site was taken for the construction of the Mansion House (completed 1754) and the statue was removed to an inn yard, then to the Vyner estate in Lincolnshire. Lady Mary Robinson of Newby married Henry Vyner and inherited Newby Hall in 1859. The statue was brought to Newby Park in 1883.