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Disraeli brought down to earth
A CHORLEY stonemason is keeping it in the family by giving one of the town's best known statues a facelift.
Michael Rawcliffe, who runs Rawcliffe's of Chorley Monumental Masons, in Southport Road, has been handed the project of restoring the statue of former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.
The statue used to be on top of Claire's Accessories at the Cleveland Street and Chapel Street junction and was crafted by Michael's great-great grandfather Thomas Rawcliffe.
Michael said: "The statue was built in commemoration of the ladies section of the Conservative party, the Primrose League.
"I'm not sure why it was decided that the statue should be Disraeli, but my guess is that because he was a notable Conservative."
The statue was named the Earl of Beaconsfield, a moniker given to Disraeli by Queen Victoria, who he had a close relationship with.
Situated on the corner of Cleveland Street and Fazakerley Street, the statue was placed in the most peculiar of locations, as Michael explained.
The statue was based on the top of a roof of a town centre building (now Claire's Accessories).
"You expect to see statues on the ground, so to see a statue on top of a building is quite strange. I think a lot of people didn't even realise it was there"
Now, the statue has been removed from its position on the roof and into Michael's care - and he couldn't be happier.
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
