Robin Hood Statues: 04 Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

 

This Robin Hood statue has been moved around Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre several times as the old site was removed and a new one built. Nobody I have spoken to has been able to give me the name of the artist involved. I shall update these details as and when.

Below: Also situated at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre this statue depicted the meeting of Robin Hood and Little John over the river. As with the above statue it changed its location with the closure of the original site and the building of a new one. Once again I have been unable to trace an artist’s name. Pictured here in December 2024, the statue and its surroundings seem in a poor state. One hopes this will be rectified. For more Robin Hood Statues see list on sidebar..

Below: Not a statue. But I couldn't resist posting this picture of the full set of Kelloggs models from 1960.

Robin Hood Statues: 03 Edwinstowe.

 

The Robin Hood with Maid Marian statue, on Edwinstowe High Street, was sculpted by Neal Andrew in 1998, and funded by Nottinghamshire County Council. The two figures are “kneeling” to greet each other, holding hands. Has Robin just proposed? Did he hand her the flowers she is carrying?

It’s an excellent piece of work, the two characters dressed in appropriately simple clothing. Sadly, it was badly damaged when hit by a vehicle in 2020. Although it was restored, I see that today (November 2024) the hands are missing, and so the figures no longer touch. Hopefully this will be resolved soon. For more Robin Hood Statues see list on sidebar.

Robin Hood Statues: 02 Thoresby Park.

 

The statue of Robin Hood in the courtyard at Thoresby Park, originally stood in front of Thoresby Hall’s entrance. When the Hall closed down as a tourist attraction, it became the subject of some vandalism and was moved to its current site.

It was sculpted in 1948 by Tussaud-Birt, no doubt an artist friend of Lady Manvers, owner of Thoresby Estate at the time, and a talented artist in her own right. In its prime it was one of my favourite Robin Hood statues, depicting a simply clad young Saxon man.

Sadly, over time, the elements have taken a toll. But it remains a popular attraction throughout the year, to those stopping by for coffee after their stroll around the park. This is especially so when the café staff dress Robin in accordance with significant current events, like Christmas, or even a World Cup. For more Robin Hood Statues see list on sidebar.

Robin Hood Statues: 01 Nottingham Castle Green.

To the left of Nottingham Castle Gatehouse is the Castle Green, host to the most famous Robin Hood statue in the world. Sculpted by James Woodford, it was presented along with a series of wall plaques to the city by Philip E Clay to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's visit to Nottingham in 1949, the city's Quin-centennial year. The plaques depict famous scenes from the Legend of Robin Hood. Shown here are Robin and Little John over the river, the fight against Gisborne's men, the marriage of Robin and Marian, Robin Hood's death.

Two other sculptures, dated 1951, are also by James Woodford and portray several of Robin Hood's better known outlaws: Will Stuteley (also known as Will the Bowman), Little John, Friar Tuck, Alan A Dale, and Will Scarlet. Will Stuteley's presence is linked to the story that he was rescued from the Sheriff of Nottingham's gallows on this very spot by Robin Hood.

Above: All those depicted on the statue are named in the video. Below: A film crew taking photos for promotional purposes.

See more Robin Hood Statues on these links: Edwinstowe and Thoresby Park.