Richard Cobden Statue St Ann's Square Manchester

Images of Britain: Richard Cobden Statue, Manchester

A statue of the reformer and social activist Richard Cobden (1804-1861) stands in St Ann's Square in Manchester. The copper and tin work by sculptor Marshall Wood was unveiled in 1867 at a cost of £2,500 raised entirely through public subscriptions.

Cobden had settled in Manchester for business in the 1830s and soon became involved in local politics. He opposed both the oppressive Corn Laws and the Crimean War. Due to his tireless advocacy the Corn Laws were eventually repealed in 1846.

At various times in his political career he was also a Liberal MP for Stockport and later Rochdale. There is also a statue of Cobden in Stockport not far from both Mersey Square and Stockport market.

From Piccadilly Station, St Ann's Square is about 20 minutes on foot.