The Achilles Statue

The 6m high statue depicts a heavily muscled naked warrior, a circular shield raised in his left hand, and an archaic sword (added in the 1860s) in his right. A cloak is draped over his left arm, and behind his right leg stands his armour. His head is turned to the left, and his legs are wide apart. A fig-leaf conceals his modesty. The three-staged base carries inscriptions on the south-facing front. These read (upper): 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 and (lower) PLACED ON THIS SPOT / ON THE XVIII DAY OF JUNE MDCCCXXII / BY COMMAND OF / HIS MAJESTY GEORGE III. Around the base, which is constructed of massive blocks, are sixteen granite posts with linked chains.