Statue of Robert Peel to North Corner of Woodhouse Moor

The Statue of Robert Peel at the north corner of Woodhouse Moor is a bronze monument in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It portrays Sir Robert Peel, one of the best-known British statesmen of the nineteenth century. The figure has been relocated more than once around the city, and it now stands on the edge of Woodhouse Moor, the large public park north of Leeds city centre.

What is this statue?

The bronze was cast in 1852 by the sculptor William Behnes and rests on a pink granite pedestal. The front carries a simple inscription reading "PEEL / 1852". The statue is a protected structure: it is on the National Heritage List for England (entry 1375010), listed at Grade II in 1976.

Who was Robert Peel?

Peel founded the modern police service while serving as Home Secretary, and in 1829 he steered Catholic emancipation into law. He was Prime Minister twice, in 1834-35 and again from 1841 to 1846. Leeds therefore honours a figure of national weight rather than a purely local one.

Why is it on Woodhouse Moor?

It was not always here. The statue was first unveiled in the city centre near the Post Office on Park Row, close to City Square. In 1890 it was moved to stand outside the Town Hall, and in 1937 it was moved again to its present spot at the park's north corner. Its history is a small illustration of how the city has reshaped its public spaces.

How do you get there?

Woodhouse Moor lies in the Hyde Park and Woodhouse area, north-west of the centre and close to the university campus. The statue stands at the park's northern edge, at about 53.8141 N, 1.5620 W. The park is open to everyone and the statue is viewed from outside, so there is no ticket and no opening time. From the city centre expect a walk of roughly a quarter of an hour, or a short ride on a local bus.

Anything else worth knowing?

The monument sits within a modern conversation. The Monuments of Leeds project at Leeds Beckett University notes that Peel's reputation has been questioned more recently because of the pro-slavery views of his father, also named Sir Robert Peel, while stressing that the statesman himself had no direct ties to slavery. The statue remains in place, and it prompts a quiet debate about how communities remember historic leaders.

It pairs well with a stroll across Woodhouse Moor or with a wider walk among Leeds's historic sculptures. For photographs, the granite plinth, bronze figure and open lawns make a clean composition, especially in bright weather.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The statue stands in an open public park and can be seen at any time.

Who made the Peel statue in Leeds? The bronze dates from 1852 and is the work of William Behnes.

Is it a listed monument? Yes. It has been on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II since 1976.

Has it always stood on Woodhouse Moor? No. It began near Park Row in the centre, moved to the Town Hall in 1890, and reached its current position in 1937.