Worcester City Council is currently in the midst of deliberations over how best to allocate a significant £5 million allocation of Levelling Up funding provided by the government. Among the various proposals vying for consideration stands a particularly noteworthy initiative: the creation of a sculpture in Sidbury, dedicated to commemorating the Battle of Worcester. This proposed monument, earmarked to receive £50,000 from the allocated funds, is poised to become the “first national monument of its kind.”
The sculpture’s significance is underscored by its portrayal of a pivotal moment in English history—the Battle of Worcester, a decisive clash during the English Civil War. It is slated to be positioned near King Street Car Park, a location steeped in historical resonance as the site of the final confrontation of the battle. Described as a “distinctive linear steel sculpture,” it is expected to be crafted by none other than Ken Potts, a distinguished sculptor renowned for his masterful work, including the Elgar statue situated in Cathedral Square.
The vision behind this monumental undertaking extends beyond mere commemoration; it holds the promise of catalyzing civil war tourism within the city. Worcester’s rich historical tapestry, already woven with threads of heritage preserved by institutions such as the historic Commandery and the Battle of Worcester Society, stands poised to be further enriched by this ambitious endeavor. Daniel Daniels, chairman of the society, lauds the council’s initiative, expressing optimism about the sculpture’s potential to elevate Worcester’s standing on the national heritage map. He elaborates on the proposed design, detailing its intricacies—envisioned as a layered, laser-cut steel structure intended to vividly capture the action and drama of the battle.
Acknowledging the significance of the proposed funding, Daniels extends gratitude to key figures instrumental in advancing the project, including David Blake, managing director of the city council, and Robin Walker MP. Beyond the commemorative sculpture, the Levelling Up funding is slated to benefit an array of additional projects aimed at enriching Worcester’s cultural and educational landscape. These encompass the establishment of education centers at the city art gallery and Tudor House Museum, enhancements to public spaces as part of the Scala and Corn Exchange development, and investments in beloved green spaces such as Gheluvelt Park, Cripplegate Park, and Pitchcroft.
With the clock ticking towards the May 10 deadline for plan submission, the Policy and Resources Committee stands poised to deliberate on these proposals. As Worcester City Council navigates the task of finalizing its plans, it seeks to ensure that the allocated funds are judiciously utilized to both preserve the city’s heritage and propel its cultural evolution into the future.
