The Duke of Wellington Statue, Leeds
The聽Duke of Wellington Statue聽in Leeds is a bronze monument sculpted by Baron Carlo Marochetti, one of Queen Victoria's favorite sculptors, and was completed in 1855. Originally installed in Victoria Square, in front of Leeds Town Hall, the statue was relocated to Woodhouse Moor Park in 1937 due to the reconfiguration of the square.
The statue depicts Arthur Wellesley, the First Duke of Wellington, a celebrated 19th-century military and political leader known for his role in the Napoleonic Wars and as a two-time British Prime Minister. Dressed in formal attire with his iconic Wellington boots, the Duke stands confidently, his right hand resting on his hip while holding a plumed feather hat in his left hand. The statue showcases the sculptor鈥檚 characteristic flair, although Marochetti's style was sometimes criticized for being overly elaborate.
Despite its historical significance, the statue鈥檚 current placement in the green space of Woodhouse Moor has sparked mixed reactions. Its height and surrounding vegetation make it somewhat difficult to appreciate fully. Located near the University of Leeds, the statue has also become a target for student traditions, with the Duke鈥檚 boots frequently painted red鈥攁dding a touch of irreverence to its dignified stance.
Commissioned in honor of the Duke鈥檚 death in 1852, the statue was funded by 拢1,500 raised by the citizens of Leeds. Its creation was not without controversy; Marochetti鈥檚 Sardinian heritage led some to question the choice of a foreign sculptor for such an eminent British figure. Nonetheless, the statue was unveiled in 1858, coinciding with the opening of Leeds Town Hall by Queen Victoria. Today, it stands as both a tribute to Wellington鈥檚 legacy and a quirky symbol of local student culture.
The statue depicts Arthur Wellesley, the First Duke of Wellington, a celebrated 19th-century military and political leader known for his role in the Napoleonic Wars and as a two-time British Prime Minister. Dressed in formal attire with his iconic Wellington boots, the Duke stands confidently, his right hand resting on his hip while holding a plumed feather hat in his left hand. The statue showcases the sculptor鈥檚 characteristic flair, although Marochetti's style was sometimes criticized for being overly elaborate.
Despite its historical significance, the statue鈥檚 current placement in the green space of Woodhouse Moor has sparked mixed reactions. Its height and surrounding vegetation make it somewhat difficult to appreciate fully. Located near the University of Leeds, the statue has also become a target for student traditions, with the Duke鈥檚 boots frequently painted red鈥攁dding a touch of irreverence to its dignified stance.
Commissioned in honor of the Duke鈥檚 death in 1852, the statue was funded by 拢1,500 raised by the citizens of Leeds. Its creation was not without controversy; Marochetti鈥檚 Sardinian heritage led some to question the choice of a foreign sculptor for such an eminent British figure. Nonetheless, the statue was unveiled in 1858, coinciding with the opening of Leeds Town Hall by Queen Victoria. Today, it stands as both a tribute to Wellington鈥檚 legacy and a quirky symbol of local student culture.
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The Duke of Wellington Statue on Map
Sight Name: The Duke of Wellington Statue
Sight Location: Leeds, England (See walking tours in Leeds)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Leeds, England (See walking tours in Leeds)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Leeds, England
Create Your Own Walk in Leeds
Creating your own self-guided walk in Leeds is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Leeds Introduction Walking Tour
The old Brythonic word "Ladenses" meant "folks of the rapid river." The river was the River Aire that flows through the City of Leeds today. In the 5th century the once forested area of Leeds was part of the Brythonic kingdom of Elmet. The Venerable Bede called it "Loidis." In Welsh it was "lloed", "a place." At any rate, "Leeds."
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Historical Shopping Venues Tour
Leeds is a shopaholic鈥檚 paradise and a true world of retail scaled down to the size of a downtown area. Compactly located within a walking distance from each other, the city's best boutiques are never far away from an eager shopper.
Here, the biggest brands and small independents are housed in some of the city鈥檚 most iconic buildings. Among them is the historic Kirkgate Market, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Here, the biggest brands and small independents are housed in some of the city鈥檚 most iconic buildings. Among them is the historic Kirkgate Market, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Statues in Leeds Tour
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... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles