THE campaign to erect a statue which will hopefully bring thousands of American tourists to Worcester is looking for a leader.

The Battle of Worcester Society charity is aiming to raise around £150,000 for the monument to John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in Fort Royal Park, but realises it needs the services of a volunteer fundraiser.

The appeal was launched last year and has already made in-roads into the total, but now wants to take the fundraising to another level. Anyone with American connections would be especially welcome.

Richard Shaw, chairman of the society, said: “We are looking for an experienced fundraiser, ideally with an interest in local history.

"We already have planning permission and the new statue will be a major addition to Worcester’s heritage trail.

"It’s supported by Worcester City Council, the Civic Society and The Friends of Commandery Gardens and Fort Royal Park.

"We believe that the monument will be a great visitor attraction particularly to American tourists."

The statue will be the first of Adams and Jefferson together anywhere in the world.

The two distinguished figures visited Worcester on April 8, 1786 and both later became Presidents of the USA.  Adams became the first vice president to George Washington in 1789 and the second president in 1797. 

Jefferson was Adams’ vice president and became President himself from 1801 to 1809. 

Jefferson, when he became President, ended the slave trade in America when he passed legislation prohibiting the importation of slaves to the country.

Adams successfully defended nine men of the 29th Regiment of Foot (which became the Worcestershire Regiment in 1881) who were accused of murder after firing into a crowd of hostile civilians at Boston in 1770. The statue will depict Adams and Jefferson standing on Fort Royal Hill where Adams delivered his famous speech to the citizens of Worcester, emphasising to them how important their city was.

He told the crowd: "This is the ground where liberty was fought for.   

"Tell your neighbours and your children that this is holy ground, much holier than that on which your churches stand.

"All England should come in pilgrimage to this hill (Fort Royal), once a year."

Further information about the fundraising opportunity can be found on the Society’s website at www.thebattleofworcestersociety.org.uk/monument-appeal