The Knights' Trail

As has been popular elsewhere, this year Lincoln has installed a series of decorated sculptures throughout the city. These are knights on horseback, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln (1217). The sculptures have been sponsored by local businesses and organisations, and painted by different artists. People are encouraged to follow the Knights' Trail to learn some interesting facts about the area and look for clues in a Knights' Quest.

There are 37 sculptures altogether. These are just a few of those I photographed. Above is 'Not all Stories are Black and White', by Ruth Piggott, sponsored by The Nomad Trust, a charity supporting the homeless. It has maps depicting the streets they walk on and the journeys they have taken to get where they are, with the various colours symbolising that everyone is different.

'The Knight in the Forest' , by Julia Allum, refers to the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the Forest, which dealt with the punitive Forest Laws that applied in all the royal forests. The Charter made life better for farmers who grazed their animals in the woods. 

Halfway up the steep hill I found 'Pedal Pride', by Erin Fleming, inspired by the Lincoln Grand Prix cycle race.

This is 'Sheriff de la Haye', by Rachel Olin, posed in front of the gateway to Lincoln Castle.  It is perhaps surprising that a woman held such a position of power in the 1200s. Nicolaa de la Haye resolutely led the defence of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217, when rebel forces took the city of Lincoln. The rebels were trying to oust King John and his young son Henry, in favour of Prince Louis, son of the King of France. They were eventually defeated by a force of English knights led by William Marshal.

Finally, I liked the one below: 'The Knight has a Thousand Eyes', painted by Sue Guthrie. It refers to a hit song from the 1960s by Bobby Vee. (Oh yes, I remember it!) The cartoon eyes that decorate it are made of phosphorescent paint that glows in the dark.