Where can I find statues in my local area?
In your local area, you may find statues of significant people, places, events and objects.
They are sometimes found outside important buildings such as libraries, places of worship or in gardens.
Some statues have been around for tens or even hundreds of years, others are more modern.
Statues are often made from stone, but more recently, other materials such as wood and metal have been used to make statues.
Remember: If you do explore your local history, make sure you go with a trusted adult.
Important words
Important words on how statues can teach us about the past.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Consequence | The outcome of an event in the past. |
| Controversial | Something that is likely to cause disagreement. |
| Fundraised | Money donated by people. |
| Harbour | A place on the coast where ships may moor. |
| Monument | A statue, building or structure built to commemorate a significant person or event from the past. |
| Significant | Someone or something of importance or meaning. |
| Statue | A representation of a person, animal, object or place. |
Watch: What do statues teach us about the past?
Find how statues can tell us more about the people who lived in a local area with the History Clue Crew.
Holly: Hello History Clue Crew. Statues can be like a portal into the past and they can tell us all kinds of things about where we live, but they can be difficult clues to chip away at.
You know, you get it. Statue? Chip away… forget it.
Stephanie: I know statues are a figure of a person, animal, or object. But what I'm wondering is who decides who we get to remember with a statue?
Holly: What secrets can you uncover in three hours? Crew, I'll see you then and don't be late.
Stephanie: So from looking at some of the statues, the pose, clothes, objects, or inscriptions can give us clues about what the person did, when they lived or be a representation of someone or something important.
These aren't like any statues I've ever seen before. Why are they here? These can't be based off real people.
I wonder what the history in relation to the town is and who made them? Let's find out.
I found out some information and it says that these aren't gargoyles. These are grotesques. I want to see if I could find a volunteer to give me some more information.
So what can you tell me about these grotesques and what do they mean?
Mark: Well, they mean different things. Partly, the stonemasons were just having fun using their imagination, creating all kinds of different creatures.
Back in medieval times, they thought that these figures would keep evil away from a building that's meant to be about light and goodness. And partly they were making fun of evil.
Stephanie: So do you have any stories or legends about these grotesques?
Mark: Well, there's one that gets told a lot around here about a woman who was the landlady of a pub over there, where some of the stonemasons were living.
And they had a pot of money that they collected and it was disappearing, the money.
And they thought the landlady was the only person who could be taking the money.
So they made this figure of a woman with a hand in a bag stealing money.
Ashton: I love this statue, but who'd make a statue of a horse and why?
So the plaque says it was put here to represent conflict and the loss of human and animal life. Wow, I had no idea. Let's go find out more at the library.
Millions of horses and mules were used to pull weapons and supply wagons and as ambulances on the battlefield in World War One.
There's this amazing story about a war horse called Warrior who survived the battlefield many times and escaped two fires in his stable.
After he died, he was awarded the Dickin medal, the highest honour an animal can receive in the military.
I can see why the war horse was put there now. I'd never have learned about it if I hadn't seen the statue.
Holly: Time's up. HCC. What did you find?
Ashton: It's about finding out what happened in your town, village, or city in the past.
Stephanie: I found out that you have to be nice to people or you can end up looking like this!
Holly: Amazing work HCC. You smashed it.
You'll often find statues in parks or town squares or outside of buildings, and they're a great way for us to learn about what people thought was important at the time the statue was made.
Who or what has been remembered in your home town?
Get out there and crack the code to find out what was important and piece together the past in your hometown.
Until next time HCC. Out.
Who decides what or who will become a statue?
Statues are a snapshot into the past and often have historical significance.
They can be used to remember a significant person (someone of importance or meaning) who has lived or event that has happened in the past.
People have fundraised (money donated by people) for statues to be made and local councils and the public often work together to make decisions about statues.
Sometimes statues can be paid for privately, often there needs to be a planning process to decide who and what will become a statue.
Statues help us to understand who and what was important during a time period.
Why are war memorials commonly found in local areas?
War memorials are often found in local areas.
These are statues or monuments that represent key events or people who were prominent during times of war.
In late October and early November, you can find poppy wreaths laid on these statues to remember those who served or died during World War One, World War Two and during other conflicts.
“Lest we forget” is often found inscribed on war memorials along with names of soldiers that have died and significant dates.
How do statues help us to reflect on our history?
Statues can be controversial (something that is likely to cause disagreement).
In 2020, a statue of Edward Colston, who traded in enslaved people, was pulled down and thrown into the harbour in Bristol.
It started discussions about why a statue like this could still be found in a local area in the United Kingdom.
However, some have suggested that statues aren’t removed and instead a plaque could be placed to explain why the person or event was controversial.
Think like a historian
Have a look at the thinking points below and think about your answer to each question. You could even write them down on a piece of paper or discuss them with somebody else if you want to.
What types of people have statues made of them?
Why are many statues made from stone?
Did you think about significant people? Statues of people are often made to remember or celebrate the important things that person has done. However, sometimes a statue is made long after a person has died, like the statue of Aphra Behn. Sometimes the statue isn't of a person, like the war horse Warrior. Perhaps you could go with a trusted adult and look for a statue or war memorial in your local area.
Did you think about how hard stone is? Stone is a material that doesn't break easily, and can resist wind and rain. We still have marble statues from Ancient Greece that are over 2000 years old, though parts of them have broken or worn away over time. Many statues now are made from metal, which can be even more resistant to the outdoors.
Activities
Activity: Quiz
Grown-ups corner
Are you a parent, carer or teacher?
Take a look at some of the links below on KS2 History which are packed full of knowledge, videos, quizzes and activities.
KS2 History: Black British Stories
BBC Bitesize for Teachers
History KS2: The Story of China - The Rise and Fall of the Shang
BBC Bitesize for Teachers
KS2 History: Iron Age Britain
BBC Bitesize for Teachers
Horrible Histories: Raid and Trade game! game
Play Horrible Histories: Raid and Trade KS2 History
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