PASSERS-by in Worcester High Street were clearly being amused by the antics of a clumsy stonemason outside the Guildhall at this time 100 years ago.

Crowquill, in his Journal comment column, explained: "The old-time tradesman who was called upon to repair the figure of King Charles I, which adorns the faade of the Guildhall, was responsible for a humorous - if unconscious - piece of symbolism.

"As though to typify the heavy hand which the king 'of pious memory' laid on his liege subjects, he gave the figure a thumb of solid lead, screwed on in clumsy fashion, the remainder of the Royal fist being constructed of red lead and plaster.

"As a consequence, the weight of the hand caused its gradual detachment, while the sceptre - wrested from the grasp of the King - was gradually falling from the hand of his plaster presentment when it came under the attention of city councillors. As a result, the figure now has a properly carved hand of stone, and the sceptre resumes a regal pose.

"In common with the companion figure of Queen Anne and Charles II and pediment and pilasters of the Guildhall, the renovated King is to be done in colours for the forthcoming Coronation of Edward VII."