Equestrian statue of Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts

The Equestrian Statue of Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts stands in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow, close to the park's main entrance. A bronze rider on a granite base, it is one of the most ambitious pieces of public sculpture in the city's West End and holds Category A status, the highest level of protection for listed buildings in Scotland.

What will you see at the monument?

The centrepiece is a life-size bronze of Field Marshal Roberts on horseback. He sits under a granite frame shaped like a classical aedicule, built up in three stages. At the foot of the monument sit two bronze seated figures, War to one side and Victory to the other. Part of a speech Roberts gave in Glasgow in 1913 is carved into the inscription, which ties the memorial to the city itself.

Who was Lord Roberts and why is he in Glasgow?

Frederick Sleigh Roberts was a Victoria Cross holder and one of the best-known British commanders of the late Victorian era. He died in France in November 1914 while visiting troops at the front. Glasgow paid tribute to him with this monument during the First World War, and it was unveiled in August 1916.

Where does the design come from?

The sculpture is a cast of a work by Harry Bates, who made the original equestrian monument to Roberts for Calcutta in the 1890s. Bates died in 1899 before he could finish everything he planned for it. His widow later agreed to further casts: one went to Kelvingrove, and another to Horse Guards Parade in London in 1924. The Glasgow version is the one that carries all the extra elements Bates had envisaged, including the seated allegorical figures.

How do you get there and when should you go?

Kelvingrove Park lies in Glasgow's West End, next to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and within walking distance of the University of Glasgow. The nearest subway station is Kelvinhall, and several bus routes serve Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street. Entry is free and the park is open daily. Light is best on a dry morning or late afternoon, when the bronze stands out against the trees, and the monument is easy to combine with a walk along the River Kelvin or a visit to the museum.

Frequently asked questions

Is the statue free to visit?

Yes. It stands in a public park with no entry fee, and you can view it at any time the park is open.

Is the monument protected?

It is a Category A listed monument, protected since December 1970.

Is the Glasgow statue the original?

No. It is a replica of Harry Bates's Calcutta monument, cast after the sculptor's death and unveiled in Glasgow in 1916.

How long does a visit take?

Around 10 to 15 minutes at the monument. Allow an hour or more if you want to explore the rest of Kelvingrove Park and the nearby museum.