Robert Peel Monument, Manchester

The native of Bury, and the son of a rich calico manufacturer, Sir Robert Peel was the 19th c. Prime Minister whose long-lasting mark on the British history was in the form of a nickname for policemen. Peel was the driving force behind the Metropolitan Police, and for a long time policemen were affectionately called "bobbies" or "peelers". He also repealed the Corn Laws, to the great delight of common people, and despite the opposition of his party.

Peel tragically died in 1850 because of a horse-riding incident in Hyde Park in London. The Peel Memorial Committee of Manchester promptly collected over £3,000 in 4 days from the public, thus making the Robert Peel monument the first ever outdoor statue in Manchester raised by public subscription. The composition by William Calder Marshall was unveiled on October 12, 1853. Sir Robert stands on a high pedestal, flanked by two female figures. The right figure in a crown represents Manchester; the woman holds a spindle of yarn, and the Manchester coats of arms. The left figure represents Arts and Sciences.

The monument to Robert Peel stands in Piccadilly Gardens, practically opposite the entrance into Oldham Street.