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Robert Peel Statue, Bury

Honouring Bury’s most famous son: the 1851 bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel, twice Prime Minister and founder of the modern police force.

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Standing proudly in Bury’s Market Place, the bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel honours the town’s most famous son: twice Prime Minister and founder of the modern British police force. Erected in 1851, this Grade II listed monument features intricate bas-reliefs and inscriptions celebrating Peel’s legacy in law, trade, and social reform. Located in the heart of Bury town centre, it forms a focal point among historic buildings, the parish church, and the cenotaph, making it a natural stop for those exploring the town’s heritage and civic life.

A brief summary to Robert Peel Statue

  • Market Pl, Bury, GB
  • Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit in daylight to fully appreciate the statue’s bronze details and the inscriptions on its granite pedestal.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Market Place, the Cenotaph, and the historic Church of St Mary for a fuller sense of Bury’s town centre heritage.
  • Look for the bas-relief panels on the pedestal’s sides, which depict commerce and navigation, and read the speech quotation on the back.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bury Interchange, the statue is a 5-minute walk through the town centre along Market Street and into Market Place. Buses and the Metrolink tram serve the interchange regularly, making it easy to reach from across Greater Manchester.

  • On Foot

    Within Bury town centre, the statue is a central landmark; from the market, shopping areas, or the parish church, it’s typically a 2–8 minute walk across paved, level streets.

  • By Car

    From nearby roads, park in one of Bury’s town centre car parks and walk to Market Place; the statue is clearly visible in the open square, about 5–10 minutes on foot from most central parking.

Robert Peel Statue location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Robert Peel Statue

A Monument to a Statesman

Rising from Bury’s Market Place, the bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel stands as a powerful tribute to one of Lancashire’s most influential figures. Born in Bury in 1788, Peel served twice as Prime Minister and is best remembered for founding the modern police force, giving rise to the nicknames 'bobbies' and 'peelers'. The statue, unveiled in 1851 shortly after his death, was sculpted by Edward Hodges Baily, a prominent 19th-century artist known for his work on Nelson’s Column in London. At around 3.5 metres tall, the figure is mounted on a substantial granite pedestal, making it a commanding presence in the town centre.

Design and Symbolism

The statue’s pedestal is rich with symbolic detail. The front bears the Peel coat of arms and the name 'Peel' in bronze lettering, while the sides feature bas-relief panels representing commerce and navigation, reflecting Bury’s industrial and trading heritage. On the rear, a bronze panel carries a quotation from one of Peel’s speeches, offering a glimpse into his political philosophy and oratory. These elements combine to create more than just a likeness; they form a narrative of Peel’s contributions to British society, from economic reform and the repeal of the Corn Laws to factory legislation and the liberalisation of criminal law.

Heart of Bury Town Centre

Positioned in the historic Market Place, the statue sits at the civic and commercial heart of Bury. It faces the Cenotaph and stands near the historic Church of St Mary, creating a cluster of significant local landmarks. The surrounding area is lined with traditional shopfronts, pubs, and restaurants, giving the statue a lively, everyday context rather than a secluded, museum-like setting. This integration into daily life means visitors encounter Peel not as a distant historical figure, but as a constant presence in the town’s streetscape, anchoring Bury’s identity in its most famous son.

A Living Heritage Site

The statue is a Grade II listed structure, recognised for its historical and artistic significance. This designation ensures its preservation and underscores its importance as a protected landmark. Locals and visitors alike pass by it regularly, whether shopping, commuting, or exploring Bury’s heritage. The monument serves both as a tourist attraction and as a local point of pride, often mentioned in civic events and historical walks. Its prominent location and detailed craftsmanship make it a natural starting point for understanding Bury’s role in national history and the enduring legacy of one of its most consequential sons.

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