Sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock, the statue was unveiled at a ceremony in January 1913 by Sir T. Marchant Williams (Stipendiary magistrate).
It was erected to commemorate Sir W. T. Lewis’ elevation to peerage by King George V in recognition for its valuable contribution to the South Wales coal and allied trade and his foundation of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Coal Owners Association in response to the rise in strength of trade unions.
In 1881, he was a key player in the foundation of the Monmouth and South Wales permanent provident fund for the relief of colliery workers in case of sickness or accident. This scheme enabled many to have access to pension compensation for accident and insurance against sickness/ unemployment.
During the course of 2018, the fountain surrounding the statue and the cascades leading to it were renovated and are now back in action. The whole area was also redesigned and offers new seating areas with access for all. So why not take the time to sit down and relax?