Statue Of Robert Peel To North Corner Of Woodhouse Moor

The statue of Robert Peel is located at the north corner of Woodhouse Moor and was erected in 1852. It was created by the sculptor W. Behnes and features a bronze figure of the Conservative politician on a pink-granite pedestal with a stepped grey-granite base. The statue depicts Peel in contemporary dress, resembling a portrait by H.W. Pickersgill. The front of the pedestal is incised with 'PEEL/ 1852', and the statue is signed 'W BEHNES Sculpt.'

Robert Peel was significant in British history for founding the Police Force during his time as Home Secretary from 1822 to 1827 and again from 1828 to 1830. He also introduced Roman Catholic emancipation in 1829 and served as Prime Minister from 1834 to 1835 and from 1841 to 1846. Peel fell from office in 1846 after repealing the Corn Laws and passed away in 1850. Numerous statues were erected in his honor; this particular statue was initially placed on Park Row, moved to Victoria Square in the 1890s in front of the Town Hall, and was relocated to its current site on Woodhouse Moor in 1937.