Memorial to former prime minister Margaret Thatcher has been egged in Grantham
It had only been up a couple of hours
Last updated 15th May 2022
A protester has thrown eggs at a statue of Baroness Margaret Thatcher in her home town of Grantham less than two hours after it was lowered into place.
Only one connected with the statue, with the man in question having to throw the eggs from behind a temporary fence surrounding the memorial.
A cry of "oi" could be heard after one connected with the lower part of the monument.
The statue was originally intended for Parliament Square but was moved to the town after a report made to South Kesteven District Council that there were fears of a "motivated far-left movement... who may be committed to public activism."
The 10ft high statue will stand on a granite plinth in the heart of the Civic Quarter and will be unveiled in the heart of Grantham on Sunday 15 May.
The monument was commissioned and funded by the Public Memorials Appeal (PMA) as well as the Grantham Community Heritage Association (GCHA).
Graham Jeal, of the GCHA, said: “There has long been a conversation in Grantham about a more permanent memorial to the country’s first female Prime Minister who was an enormous political figure, both nationally and internationally.
“The delivery of the memorial has secured the museum for the next few years and has helped the museum finances survive the Covid pandemic. It is recognised that the full spectrum of views exist in Grantham about the legacy of Margaret Thatcher and an exhibition inside the museum illustrates this.”
The Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “This memorial statue of the late Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven will be a fitting tribute to a truly unique political figure.
“Margaret Thatcher will always be a significant part of Grantham’s heritage. She and her family have close ties with Grantham. She was born, raised and went to school here.
“It is, therefore, appropriate that she is commemorated by her home town, and that the debate that surrounds her legacy takes place here in Grantham. We must never hide from our history, and this memorial will be a talking point for generations to come.
"We hope that this memorial will encourage others to visit Grantham and to see where she lived and visit the exhibition of her life in Grantham Museum."
“This is about inspiring, educating and informing people about someone who represents a significant part of Grantham’s heritage.”
Margaret Thatcher's statue will stand near two other famous sons of the town - Sir Isaac Newton, one of the world's greatest scientists, and 19th century politician the Hon Frederick James Tollemache.'
Margaret Thatcher was born and raised in Grantham and attended the local girls school.
She was Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and was the longest serving Prime Minister of the 20th century.