Terence (Terry) Murphy.
Month: April 2019
Lord Byron Statue, Neilsland Estate, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
This headless Lord Byron Statue is located in the former Neilsland (Mid Stonehall) Estate (now known as Neilsland Park), Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Sculptor Robert Forrest from Carluke created the piece. The statue along with others was bought and placed in the estate during c.1874 by Sir John Watson Bt of Neilsland and Earnock, approximately three years after he purchased the estate. Sadly this and the remains of the “Little feet” statue (including support bracket) are the only recognisable sculptures to be found. The correct name of the “Little Feet” Statue is: “The Promised Child” or “Infant Saviour” which would have been cherub-like in appearance.
For several years many people have theorised that the statue is: Old Norval, who was an elderly shepherd character from a John Home play entitled: “Douglas”, first popularised during c.1756. There is also a ballad version of the play: “Norval On The Grampian Hills”, which is of unknown date and origin. I don’t believe that the statue is Old Norval because a shepherd would not be depicted clasping a book nor would he be draped in a formal cloak and gown. It is far more likely to be that of Lord Byron, both in stance and attire!
Hamilton Historian. Terry Murphy 