306A Statue of William, 7th Duke of Devonshire

306A Statue of William, 7th Duke of Devonshire (1808 – 1891) is described as the chief benefactor and founder of modern Eastbourne. In 1858, as 2nd Earl of Burlington, he succeeded to the Dukedom. The statue, in Devonshire Place, was paid for by public subscription and unveiled by the Marquiss of Abergavenny, Lord Lietenant of Sussex.
Sculpted by William Goscombe John
Unveiled in 1901

The Inscription reads: 
On the base, facing away from the sea: 
ERECTED BY THE VOLUNTARY SVB 
SCRIPTIONS OF INHABITANTS OF 
EASTBOURNE IN COMMEMORATION 
OF HIS GENEROUS INTERESTS IN ITS 
WELFARE AND PROGRESS MD CCCCI 
J A SKINNER J P CHAIRMAN 

On the base, facing the sea: 
WILLIAM 
SEVENTH DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE 
K.G P.C. D.C.L. F.R.S. 
CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF 
CAMBRIDGE LORD LIEUTENANT OF 
THE COUNTY OF DERBY BORN 27 
APRIL 1808 DIED 21 DECEMBER 1891

To rear of the bronze base towards the right: 
E. GRUET JNE FONDEUR PARIS

Placed opposite the Bandstand