The Achilles Statue

The Achilles Statue is a Grade I listed monument standing 6 meters high. It features a muscular, naked warrior with a circular shield raised in his left hand and an archaic sword, which was added in the 1860s, in his right hand. A cloak drapes over his left arm, and his armor is positioned behind his right leg. His head is turned to the left, and his legs are spread wide apart, with a fig-leaf covering his modesty.

The statue is set on a three-staged base that has inscriptions on the south-facing front. The upper inscription reads: "TO ARTHUR, DUKE OF WELLINGTON. / AND HIS BRAVE COMPANIONS IN ARMS / THIS STATUE OF ACHILLES, CAST FROM CANNON TAKEN IN THE VICTORIES / OF SALAMANCA, VITTORIA, TIUYLOUSE AND WATERLOO, / IS INSCRIBED BY THEIR COUNTRYWOMEN." The lower inscription states: "PLACED ON THIS SPOT / ON THE XVIII DAY OF JUNE MDCCCXXII / BY COMMAND OF / HIS MAJESTY GEORGE III." Surrounding the base, which is made of large blocks, are sixteen granite posts linked by chains.