A MONUMENT to two prolific writers in Colchester city centre has reached a milestone.
The statue of Jane Taylor who wrote a poem which later became the lyrics to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and her sister Ann was unveiled two years go on May 5, 2024.
Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell led the launch of the statue in High Street alongside the city’s former major John Jowers and schoolchildren from North Primary School.
The statue is just 300 yards away from the Taylor family's former home in West Stockwell Street, where the family lived between 1796 and 1811.
Jane wrote a poem called The Star in her bedroom in 1806 and the words of the first verse were later put to a French folk tune which became Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
Sir Bob led the fundraising drive for the statue which was sculpted by Mandy Pratt from Ardleigh.
The statue project cost more that £90,000 and was funded entirely by public donations and fundraising.
Prior to the launch of the statue, Catherine the Princess of Wales forwarded on her “best wishes” to Sir Bob.
The message was passed on by the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, who on Sir Bob’s behalf had informed Catherine of the statue.
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