Robin Hood is Nottingham’s most culturally significant attraction; our local hero represents freedom, strength and liberty. If you want to catch a glimpse of Nottingham’s favourite vigilante, you should take a trip to Thoresby Park to see Robin cast in bronze.
Sculpted by artist James Arthur Woodford in the early 1950s, this beautiful motif of Robin Hood was commissioned by Philip Clay, as a gift to the city of Nottingham. Clay spent £5,000 on the 7ft tall commission and its surrounding plaques in order to link Nottingham to the lore and also for the 1947 visit of the then Princess Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh to mark the town’s 500th year anniversary.
Woodford carefully researched the statue to ensure the dedication to Hood would be as close to his likeness as possible; he based his concept of Hood on his mythological tales and historical understandings of medieval foresters’ appearances . Woodford’s depiction thus, of a rather stocky leather capped figure, converged with the popular image of the Robin Hood depicted in the 1938 ‘Adventures of Robin Hood’ film. That said, Hood himself is a controversial figure, it seems only natural that his image should be swamped in controversy too.
Over the years, Hood’s arrow has been stolen many times, most recently in 2018, due to the high value of the lead it is composed of, and by visitors looking for unique souvenirs. The arrow has since been replaced by the type of metal used on gun barrels and has been tightly welded to the sculpture to prevent further vandalism.
Robon Hood Statue at Thoresby Park (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 09:00 | - 17:00 |
Bank Holiday | 09:00 | - 17:00 |
Visit our beautiful park with the whole family to enjoy everything Thoresby has to offer.…
Walesby Forest is an International Outdoor Activity Centre located in the heart of Robin…
Home of Robin Hood and once part of a royal hunting forest, Sherwood Forest Country…
Sherwood Forest, a 450-acre country park and nature reserve, is home to the well-loved…
There's so much to do at Clumber Park throughout the year, whether you like walking or…
St Mary's Church is a beautiful and ancient place of worship in the heart of Sherwood…
Rufford Abbey Country Park is the estate and grounds of a former 12 century Cistercian…
The National Holocaust Centre and Museum is so much more than a museum. It’s a vibrant…
Go Ape and live life adventurously at Sherwood Pines, Nottingham.
Sherwood Pines is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands with over…
The DropWorks Distillery recently opened its doors to the public in July 2023, so it…
All Saints' Church is one of the key landmarks in the story of the Pilgrim Fathers who…
Situated on the ducal Welbeck estate, the award-winning Harley Gallery shows contemporary…
Discover the semi-detached family home of a well-to-do tradesman in the 1920s – where…
Bilsthorpe Heritage Society began after the mine closed and was formed by a handful of…
Creswell Crags, in North Nottinghamshire is a limestone gorge honeycombed with caves and…