Statues in Leeds Tour (Self Guided), Leeds

In Leeds, statues adorn various corners, reflecting historical figures and cultural symbols. Some of them are hundreds of years old but still in remarkable condition.

One notable sculpture is that of Robert Peel, commemorating the 19th-century Prime Minister and founder of Britain's modern police force.

On the opposite side of the nearby Woodhouse Moor Park stands the regal Statue of Queen Victoria. Crafted in 1905, it depicts Britain's iconic monarch whose reign, the Victorian era, symbolized a period of stability and progress.

Another corner of the same park is marked by the Duke of Wellington Statue, paying homage to the military prowess of the renowned British general.

Further along, the Sir Peter Fairbairn Statue honors the former Mayor of Leeds, reflecting his significant contributions as an industrialist and civic leader.

The Human Spirit sculpture outside Nuffield Hospital, installed in 2002, portrays four interconnected figures symbolizing unity, sparking curiosity and speculation among passersby about its deeper meaning.

Meanwhile, the Petanque Statue, located in the bustling Bond Court square, adds a touch of whimsy, featuring bronze figures engaged in the traditional English bowl game.

Lastly, the equestrian Black Prince Statue stands tall, commemorating a significant historical figure and offering a glimpse into the region's medieval past.

Each of these statues contributes to the colorful tapestry of Leeds' history and identity, inviting visitors to explore and reflect on the city's heritage. So, when in Leeds, it's always a good idea to take a moment to appreciate these statues and the stories they tell. Either by taking this self-guided walk or simply passing by, just pause to acknowledge the individuals and events they represent to deepen our connection to the city's history and culture.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Chemical Engineer.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Leeds

Guide Name: Statues in Leeds Tour
Guide Location: England » Leeds (See other walking tours in Leeds)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Author: sabrina
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:

Robert Peel Statue
Statue of Queen Victoria
The Duke of Wellington Statue
Sir Peter Fairbairn Statue
The Human Spirit Statue
Petanque Statue
The Black Prince Statue

1) Robert Peel Statue

Robert Peel Statue is another monument in Leeds built in commemoration of the British statesman. Sir Robert Peel served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the beginning of the 19th century. He is also known to have established the modern concept of “bobbies”, police force officers, which is still being used and created the base for the formation of the Conservative Party.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Mark Stevenson.

2) Statue of Queen Victoria

A monument to one of Britain's most prominent royal characters, Queen Victoria, designed by George Frampton in 1905, is situated near Leeds' Woodhouse Moor Park. The Queen's reign, known as the Victorian era, was the period of stability and progress in every department: industrial, cultural, political and military. Queen Victoria earned the nickname “grandmother of Europe” after many of her nine children and forty-two grandchildren had married royal families across Europe. Queen Victoria ruled longer than any other female monarch in history.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Tim Green aka atoach.

3) The Duke of Wellington Statue

Since 1937, The Statue of the Duke of Wellington is situated in the green area of Woodhouse Moor Park. It was designed by Carlo Marochetti in 1855. Born in Ireland, Arthur Wellsdley, often referred to as 'The Duke of Wellington', was one of the most prominent political and military characters of Britain in the 19th century.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Mark Stevenson.

4) Sir Peter Fairbairn Statue

The statue of Sir Peter Fairbairn was crafted by Matthew Noble in 1868 in honour of the former Mayor of Leeds who lived nearby in Woodsley House. Peter Fairbairn ran the Wellington Foundry, then became counselor, followed by his historic welcoming of the Queen Victoria. Mayor Peter Fairbairn was knighted back in 1858 when the queen came to the city for the opening ceremony of Town Hall.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Tim Green aka atoach.

5) The Human Spirit Statue

Situated outside Nuffield Hospital, The Human Spirit is another interesting sculpture designed by Faith Babbington in 2002. It depicts four linked men in unity and symbolizes human spirit. This interesting statue catches the eye of people walking by and generates numerous theories about the symbolization of this concept.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Mtaylor848.

6) Petanque Statue

Pentaque Statue is situated on one of popular central Leeds squares of Bond Court. The bronze figures are depicted here playing an old English bowl game. Sculptor Roger Burnett's creation keeps the tradition of old British sport alive and interacting with people people walking by. There is a similar statue situated by the canal at Sowerby Bridge where the famous sculptor's studio is located.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and RichTea.

7) The Black Prince Statue

Settled on the Leeds City Square, the monument of Edward of Woodstock is another popular city landmark glorifying the city's prominent historic character Edward of Woodstock, also known as Black Prince. Depicted on a horse, the Son of King Edward III was a skillful military commander. His victory over the French at Poitiers in 1356 was the turning point in the One Hundred Years' War, when France had to pay a ransom twice the country's yearly income. Edward of Woodstock died in 1376 before his father the King, hence never becoming the King of England.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Marcusmacaulay.

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