Kew Gardens' statue returns to Windsor Castle

A 19th Century bronze statue will return to a Windsor Castle garden after planning permission was granted.

The sculpture of Hercules and writhing serpent Achelous was removed from Kew Gardens, where it had stood since 1963, in the autumn.

Owned by the Royal Collection Trust, it was bought by George IV in 1829 and first installed in Windsor Castle's Venus Garden – formerly known as the East Terrace Garden – in 1909.

Listed planning consent to place the statue in a fountain in the renovated garden was given by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

The sculpture was cast using recycled cannons at the request of George IV but its initial intended location is unknown. It originally stood on a plinth against the castle's north curtain wall.

The artwork, made in France, was photographed on Windsor Castle's North Terrace in 1860 but had probably been installed there by 1848.

In 1957, after the then East Terrace Garden was remodelled, the statue was moved to Hampton Court Palace with the intention of it being displayed there.

But funds for that "were not forthcoming" and it remained in storage until it was put back on display at Kew Gardens six years later, according to the planning application.

The Venus Garden, which was built on the site of King Charles II's former bowling green and has been recently renovated to King Charles III's designs, will be open to the public until September.