The Griffin of Edward III

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This sculpture showcases the Griffin of Edward III, one of the Queen's Beasts. The original Queen’s Beasts were a set of ten heraldic statues created by renowned sculptor James Woodford for the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. The Ministry of Works produced these iconic statues. It was ultimately decided that they would be gifted to one of the Commonwealth governments and Canada was offered the Beasts. They accepted the offer in 1959, and now stand in the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec. In 1956 a replica set of Beasts were made in Portland stone again by James Woodford and donated to Kew. It is these sculptures that visitors to the gardens are greeted with when approaching the main entrance of the Palm House. The Griffin of Edward III Queen's Beast is an ancient mythical creature. It was considered a beneficent being, signifying courage and strength combined with guardianship, vigilance, swiftness and keen vision. It was closely associated with Edward III who engraved it on his private seal. The shield shows the Round Tower of Windsor Castle where Edward III was born, with the Royal Standard flying from the turret, enclosed by two branches of oak surmounted by the royal crown.