Statues in Leeds Tour (Self Guided), Leeds

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.