Dorking Cockerel, Steel statue in Dorking, England.
The Dorking Cockerel is a steel sculpture standing on Deepdene roundabout, depicting a male Dorking chicken at an oversized scale. The artwork clearly displays the five-toed foot, a distinctive feature of the Dorking breed.
The sculpture was created in 2007 by artist Peter Parkinson at the Fire and Iron Gallery in Leatherhead, following a proposal from the Mole Valley District Council chairman. Its installation celebrated the historical importance of the Dorking chicken breed to the region.
The sculpture honors the Dorking chicken breed, which has been raised in this area for centuries and remains deeply connected to the town's identity. Visitors can spot the characteristic five-toed foot that sets this breed apart from other chickens.
The sculpture sits on a busy roundabout, so it is best viewed from the paved sidewalks that offer safe sightlines from multiple angles. The eastern pavement provides the most detailed view of all the figure's features.
Local people regularly dress the sculpture in hand-knitted outfits during winter months and special occasions, transforming it into a colorful changing landmark. This affectionate tradition gives the public artwork a playful and personal character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.