This week’s Throwback Thursday is a legendary installation project from 1989.
Beck & Pollitzer was commissioned to remove and reinstall Coventry’s famous Lady Godiva statue in Broadgate. Originally installed facing south, the statue was repositioned to face west to accommodate the construction of the Cathedral Lanes shopping centre. The relocation formed part of the wider redevelopment of Coventry city centre, ensuring the monument remained a prominent focal point within the redesigned urban space.
Lady Godiva was an 11th-century noblewoman remembered for her act of protest against the heavy taxes imposed on the people of Coventry by her husband, Lord Leofric. According to legend, she rode naked through the streets of the city so that her people would be spared the burden of these oppressive taxes. The statue captures this defining moment and has become one of Coventry’s most recognisable symbols.
Although the statue was relocated to its current position in 1989, it has been a landmark in Coventry since 1949. Designed by the renowned sculptor Sir William Reid Dick, the monument was presented to the city as a £20,000 gift from benefactor W. H. Bassett-Green. Since then, it has remained a central feature of Broadgate and an enduring tribute to the city’s heritage.
With decades of experience delivering complex projects across industries, Beck & Pollitzer specialises in the safe installation, removal, and relocation of valuable and large-scale assets. From historic monuments to industrial equipment, our teams manage every stage with precision and care. To learn more about our installation and relocation services, visit our Services page or contact us.
