*LIVERPOOL* - Alexander Balfour (1824-1886)

Also in St John's Gardens is this statue of another public benefactor from the 19th century, who used some of his hard-earned cash to help those less fortunate than himself (some kind of early tax dodge no doubt).

Alexander Balfour was a Scottish businessman who moved to Liverpool when he was aged 20 and formed a shipping company a few years later. The carving on the base of the statue reads:-

"Merchant and shipowner

Born 2nd September 1824. Died 16th April 1886

His life was devoted to God in noble and munificent efforts for the benefit of sailors, the education of the people and the promotion of all good works. This statue, erected by public subscription, was unveiled on the 15th day of November 1889."

The sculptor was Albert Bruce-Joy and more information on it can be found here - not sure how accurate this page is though, as it gives the date 1905 for the statue, but the inscription says 1889 (unless my eyes deceive me - the photo is a bit blurry).

Overall:- 6.5/10