Lord Botetourt (statues)

Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt (c. 1718 – 1770), often referred to as Lord Botetourt, served as the Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia from 1768 to 1770. His brief but impactful tenure, marked by efforts to appease colonial unrest and promote commerce, has led to lasting memorials, including several statues.

The most prominent and historically significant Lord Botetourt statue stands at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. The original marble statue was commissioned shortly after Botetourt's death and erected in 1773. It served as a visible symbol of the college's ties to the Crown and the perceived benevolence of Botetourt's leadership. During the American Revolution, the statue was damaged, and sections were buried to prevent its complete destruction by revolutionary forces.

Over the centuries, the original statue suffered significant weathering and damage. It was eventually moved indoors for preservation. In its place, a bronze replica now stands in the yard of the Wren Building, a prominent and historically important building within the campus. This replica ensures that Botetourt's presence remains visible to students and visitors, serving as a reminder of the College's history and the complex relationship between colonial Virginia and Great Britain.

Beyond the William & Mary statue, smaller representations of Lord Botetourt may exist in museums or private collections, but the primary and most widely recognized reference to "Lord Botetourt (statues)" pertains to the one at the College of William & Mary and its subsequent replica. The statue serves as a tangible link to the colonial era and a subject for ongoing historical interpretation.