Harry Hotspur
The Northumberland sculptor, Keith Maddison, has been chosen to design and sculpt
the Harry Hotspur statue for Alnwick. The statue committee, which is
made up of representatives from organisations, businesses and schools
in Alnwick, also considered some striking proposals from a highly regarded
national sculptor but, after much debate, decided to favour Keith’s
more traditional design, which is an impressive and historically accurate
depiction of Hotspur.
The idea of a bronze statue of Harry Hotspur (son of the 1st Earl of
Northumberland) to commemorate the 700 year anniversary of the Percy
family in Alnwick was first suggested by Alnwick Community Development
Trust, and the project, which has the support of His Grace, the Duke
of Northumberland, has been given the go ahead by Trustees.
Gordon Castle Chairman of the Trust said, “Hotspur was Alnwick’s best
known home grown hero, a warrior from childhood who fought against
the Scots, the French and, finally, at the cost of his life, against
the king. We want an imposing statue to link our ancient town with
its turbulent past. Its location is a key decision that has not yet
been made”.
Robert Brooks, reporter at the Alnwick Gazette and resident expert
on Hotspur, has been working closely with the sculptor Keith Maddison.
Robert said, “I'm confident that Keith will do great justice to the
memory of such an important historical figure, not only locally but
nationally. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be asked to contribute
to such a fantastic project, not just for Alnwick, but for the whole
of Northumberland and its wonderful history.”
Geoff Watson, Trust Manager, said, “We are planning to involve as many
of the children of Alnwick as possible and we will be offering trips
to those schools taking part in the project to visit the sculptor’s
workshop to see the design and sculpting process and also how the statue
is forged. Harry Hotspur is the stuff of legend and this is an excellent
opportunity for local children to learn more about him and be involved
in the making of a statue that should stand in Alnwick for hundreds
of years. We are also hoping to raise sponsorship from local businesses
and organisations who will have their names recorded on the statue’s
plinth.”
A Hotspur festival will also be organised to coincide with the unveiling
of the statue, which is planned for September 2009. Organisations
represented on the Hotspur committee are: Alnwick Community Development
Trust,
Alnwick Civic Society,
Alnwick District Council,
Alnwick Lions,
Alnwick Rotary Club, Alnwick Round Table,
Alnwick Town Council,
Bailiffgate Museum,
Barter Books,
Duchess’s Community High School,
Dukes Middle School,
Freeman of Alnwick, Lionheart Radio,
Northumberland Estates, Northumberland Gazette,
Northumbria Police,
St. John’s RC First School,
The Alnwick Garden,
Thomas Percy RC Middle School.
Organisations and businesses interested
in sponsorship of the Harry Hotspur statue should contact the Trust
Manager, Geoff Watson on 01665 606093 email here