Statue Of John Silvester In Orchard Of Birthwaite Hall

The statue of John Silvester is located in the orchard of Birthwaite Hall. The date of the statue is uncertain, but it is probably from the late 18th century. It is made of limestone and stands on a sandstone pedestal. The figure is slightly smaller than life-sized and depicts a naked John Silvester with a cloak draped over his shoulders, accompanied by a serpent at his feet. The pedestal features fielded panels and a moulded cornice.

John Silvester was a smith for the Tower of London and is known for inventing a chain designed to span the River Thames, which was intended to prevent Dutch ships from sailing up the river during the conflict with Holland from 1665 to 1667, when the Dutch attacked along the Rivers Thames and Medway.