BWM2435 19/7/2015

Berkshire War Memorials

READING - Forbury - Maiwand Lion

The largest lion in the world. Created between 1881 and 1886 to commemorate the disasters of the 2nd Afghan War and particularly the Battle of Maiwand. 328 names of men of the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment are recorded, 272 of whom died on the 27th July 1880. The statue is in cast iron and was founded by Messrs Young of Pimlico from scaled up pieces designed by George Simonds and mounted on a large portland stone pedestal which was built in 1910 as the previous plinth with terra cotta panels had seriously eroded. Further details can be found in the National Inventory of War Memorials


The Lion in 1905 with terracotta panels


The lion in 2010 with metal panels

Back to top »