Restoration of a Beloved Landmark
A pair of lion statues that have stood at the entrance to Weelsby Woods in Grimsby since the 1950s have undergone a significant restoration. The statues, which weigh two tons each, were carved in 1876 for a house on Abbey Road in Grimsby. They were later donated to the park when it was opened in 1951.
A Damaging Incident
In 2023, one of the lion statues was damaged when a car collided with it, knocking it off its base. The community came together to raise £10,000 to repair the damaged lion. The North East Lincolnshire Council also contributed to the restoration efforts.
Matching the Twins
After the initial repair, the face of the damaged lion did not match its twin. To address this issue, stonemasons were hired to modify the face of the existing lion to match the other sculpture. The restoration was done using the same Lincoln stone mason who had previously worked on the lions.
A Successful Restoration
The restoration efforts have been successful, and the two lions now look identical again. Council member Henry Hudson expressed his enthusiasm for the completed project, stating that it’s great to see the lions together again. He also mentioned that the couple looks even better now and that the community is thrilled with the result.
History and Significance
The lion statues have been a part of Weelsby Woods for over 70 years, and their restoration is a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its history and landmarks. The statues were originally carved in 1876 and were later donated to the park when it was opened in 1951. The friends of Weelsby Woods community group played a significant role in raising funds for the restoration.
Conclusion
The restoration of the lion statues at Weelsby Woods is a heartwarming story of community involvement and dedication to preserving local history. The successful restoration has ensured that the statues will continue to be a beloved landmark for generations to come.
