Trinity College Oxford is appealing to the public for help in solving a centuries-old mystery involving three statues that disappeared more than 200 years ago.

The missing sculptures once stood atop the college’s chapel tower and formed part of Oxford’s historic skyline. Researchers now believe the original statues may still exist somewhere, potentially hidden in private gardens, outbuildings, estates, or even public spaces.

For generations, four large statues have overlooked Broad Street from the chapel tower, representing the academic disciplines of astronomy, geometry, medicine, and theology. These figures have become a familiar landmark for students, visitors, and residents alike.

However, recent investigations by Trinity College archivist Clare Hopkins revealed an unexpected twist in the statues’ history. While researching plans to replace the weather-damaged figures currently standing on the tower, Hopkins discovered that the existing statues are not the original sculptures installed when the chapel tower was constructed.

Historical records show that the original 9-foot-tall statues were placed on the tower between 1691 and 1694 as part of the chapel’s design. They remained there for more than a century before being removed in the early 1820s.

At that time, an Oxford stonemason created replacement figures, which continue to stand on the tower today. While records indicate that the original statue representing medicine was relocated to a Trinity College garden, the whereabouts of the remaining three sculptures have never been documented.

The fate of the statues representing astronomy, geometry, and theology remains unknown, creating a historical puzzle that has endured for over two centuries.

Hopkins said the discovery has raised numerous questions about what happened to the missing figures after they were removed from the tower. She noted that the lack of documentation has left significant gaps in the college’s historical records.

Researchers believe it is possible that the statues were sold, gifted, moved to private properties, or incorporated into other architectural settings. Because of their age and historical significance, the sculptures could still survive today, even if their origins have long been forgotten.

The college is now encouraging members of the public, local historians, collectors, and property owners to come forward if they have information about unusual stone statues that may match the descriptions of the missing figures.

Finding the sculptures would provide valuable insight into Trinity College’s history and help restore a missing chapter in the story of one of Oxford’s most recognizable landmarks.

As the search continues, the mystery of the three vanished statues remains unsolved, leaving historians hopeful that a chance discovery could finally reveal what happened to the lost guardians of the chapel tower after more than 200 years.