Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850)

Category: Statue

Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850)

On the NW corner of George Square stands the bronze figure of Sir Robert Peel. This statue was made by the well-known sculptor John Mossman (1817-1890) and was erected in 1859. The casting was carried out by Robinson & Cottam Statue Foundry, Pimlico, London, and the statue was placed on a plinth designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, the celebrated Glasgow architect. Sir Robert Peel was famous for many things. He was Prime Minister of Great Britain and Ireland from 1834-35, and was the founder of the Conservative Party. He is remembered mostly for The Repeal Of The Corn Laws in 1846. The Corn Laws were restrictive trading practices which made it difficult for poor people to afford bread, due to laws which kept the price of cereals high. Peel risked the break-up of his party to promote the Repeal, knowing the dreadful effects of the Great Famine in Ireland. He is also famous for creating Britain's first proper police force. Sir Robert Peel was also made the Rector of Glasgow University in 1837.