Maiwand Lion, War memorial in Forbury Gardens, Reading, England.
The Maiwand Lion stands 31 feet tall and weighs 16 tons, making it one of the largest cast iron sculptures in England.
The monument commemorates 329 soldiers from the 66th Berkshire Regiment who died during the Battle of Maiwand in Afghanistan in 1880.
The lion appears on Reading Football Club's badge and has been featured on the front page of local newspapers throughout the years.
The statue, created by George Blackall Simonds, underwent restoration in 1910 when its terracotta base was replaced with Portland stone.
The creation of Doctor Watson in Sherlock Holmes stories was inspired by the medical officer of the 66th Regiment who served at Maiwand.
Location: Reading
Inception: 1886
Creator: George Blackall Simonds
GPS coordinates: 51.45695,-0.96748
Latest update: May 10, 2025 18:38
Forbury Gardens
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Archway Connecting Forbury Gardens to Abbey Ruins. Including Retaining Walls Flanking Path to Abbey Ruins
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