It was installed in memory of Frederick William (1763-1827), Commander in Chief of the British Army and second son of King George III. He is probably The Grand Old Duke of York of the nursery rhyme.
Sir Richard Westmacott designed the statue in 1834. Benjamin Wyatt designed the 124ft column.
The Duke of York was a highly proficient Commander-in-Chief whose administrative reforms won the praise of Wellington. Unfortunately, he was less successful in his private life. The revelation that his mistress, Mary Anne Clarke, was selling commissions forced his resignation. Although he was reinstated, he died in debt. It was claimed that he was placed on a column to avoid the claims of his creditors.
The monument cost £21,000, and much of it was raised by soldiers who donated a day's pay.
