The city of Winchester is readying itself for a royal appointment as Prince Charles is due for the grand unveiling of the statue of Licoricia on Thursday (February 10).

Preparations ramped up on Monday ahead of the big day, with the bronze sculpture of the influential Jewish financier and her son, Asher, driven from Stroud in Gloucestershire to its new home outside The Arc Winchester in Jewry Street.

Workmen lifted the statue onto its base using a small crane, where it currently remains partially covered ready for the Prince of Wales to reveal the finished piece.

The unveiling will mark the end of a successful long-term campaign spearheaded by the Licoricia of Winchester appeal, which has been five-years and more than £150,000 in the making.

Large crowds are expected to gather for the occasion, with road closures and traffic management measures planned to accommodate spectators.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of Thursday’s event.

What road closures will be in place?

Jewry Street at the top of St George's Street will be fully closed from 9.30am to 4pm.

On St George's Street, one lane will be blocked off to traffic turning right at the junction with Jewry Street. However, traffic will be able to turn left at the junction towards the High Street.

Tower Street will be closed between the junctions of Jewry Street and Tower Road.

Access to an exit from Tower Street Car Park will still be possible from the entrance and exit on Sussex Street and Tower Street.

When should I arrive?

Spectators are advised to gather at either The Arc in Jewry Street or near to Castle Avenue by The Great Hall from 11.30am, with the unveiling expected shortly after noon.

There will be traffic and event stewards in place during the visit, supported by police officers to ensure a safe and secure occasion.

How should I get there?

Winchester is expected to be busier than normal, and Hampshire County Council has advised anyone coming into the city to travel by public transport, use the Park & Ride and to walk where possible.

There are four P&R car parks: South Winchester, Pitt, and the East Winchester car parks -Barfield and St Catherine's.

Why is Prince Charles unveiling the statue?

The Prince of Wales has worked for many years to encourage inter-faith dialogue and has been patron of The Jewish Museum since 2008; World Jewish Relief since 2015; Holocaust Memorial Day Trust since 2015; and Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade since 2020.

His Royal Highness will also see a statue of HM Queen Victoria during his visit, which was commissioned to mark her Golden Jubilee.

Who is Licoricia?

Licoricia of Winchester was a leading community figure in the 13th century.

Despite being widowed twice, she successfully brought up her family, conducted her business and prospered in a hostile society.

She was a major financier to Henry III and his Queen, Eleanor. Money raised from Licoricia and from the estate of her second husband David contributed to the building of Westminster Abbey and its rich shrine to Edward the Confessor.

She was murdered along with her Christian maid in the city, with the perpetrator never brought to justice.

The five-year project to install a statue of Licoricia aims to inform people about England’s little-known but important medieval Jewish community; to be a fresh gateway to the study of Winchester’s royal medieval past; to promote tolerance and diversity in today’s society; to inspire women and show the importance of education in providing opportunity; and to be a lasting artistic enhancement to the city of Winchester.

On the plinth of the statue are words from Leviticus: “Love thy neighbour as thyself” – in English and Hebrew.

Maggie Carver, chairman of the Licorica appeal, said: “The trustees are deeply honoured that His Royal Highness has agreed to unveil the statue of Licoricia of Winchester. In doing so, the Prince marks the historic importance of the medieval Jewish community in Winchester’s royal past, and the continuing importance of strong inter-faith understanding.

“We also greatly welcome the presence of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and other faith leaders. His blessing of the statue will celebrate the challenging history of Jews in England across a thousand years, and embody the continuing need to educate citizens of today about the relevance of their shared heritage in creating a better society.”

Jews were part of the English community from 1067 until expulsion in 1290, having arrived after the Norman Conquest in 1066 nearly a thousand years ago. They contributed to the building of iconic places of worship such as Westminster Abbey and Lincoln Cathedral, among other institutions, as well as to trade and culture.

Jewry Street in Winchester was where the Jewish community was based.