Knight sculpture to go on display as anniversary celebrations begin

A spectacular sculpture of a knight created as part of the commemorations marking 800 years of the Battle of Lincoln and Charter of the Forest will go on public display for the first time at the University of Lincoln, UK.

Visitors to the University’s Minerva Building on the Brayford Pool Campus will be able to enjoy a sneak peak of the knight, painted in colourful heraldry representing themes of freedom and education, from tomorrow (Tuesday 11th April) until Friday 24th April 2017.

The sculpture is one of 36 knights which will form the Lincoln Knights Trail which launches in the city on 20th May 2017. Each one has been painted in unique colours by a different artist and sponsored by a different business, organisation or individual.

The launch of the trail continues two years’ worth of celebrations in the city, following in the footsteps of the immensely popular Lincoln Barons’ Charter Trail, conceived as part of the city’s Magna Carta 800th Anniversary celebrations in 2015.

After its two-week appearance on-campus, where it will join the University’s Lincoln Baron and miniature bronze knight sculpture, the life-sized knight will take its place at the bottom of The Strait, leading up to the city’s famous Steep Hill and cultural quarter.

The Lincoln Knights’ Trail is set to be one of the biggest attractions in Lincoln in 2017, taking centre stage in a programme of events commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln and the sealing of the Charter of the Forest.

The Battle of Lincoln, which took place in May 1217, is regarded as one of the most pivotal moments in English history, securing the throne for the young Henry III. Henry would go on to re-issue Magna Carta in November 1217 alongside its ‘sister document’, the Charter of the Forest, under the guidance of the famous medieval knight William Marshal. Lincoln is the only place in the world where originals of the 1215 Magna Carta and 1217 Charter of the Forest can be viewed side-by-side today.

The artist behind the University of Lincoln knight, 23 year-old Rose Bowskill, is particularly proud to be representing the University, having graduated from Lincoln’s BA (Hons) Illustration course and currently undertaking an MA in Design at the School of Architecture and Design.

“Rose has done a fantastic job and we’re so pleased with the final look of the University of Lincoln Knight”, said Elly Sample, Director of Communications, Development and Marketing at the University of Lincoln.

“In 2015 Lincoln was at the centre of international celebrations which marked the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta and we were very proud to be part of those celebrations.

“The Lincoln Baron’s Charter Trail truly captured the hearts and minds of all those who saw them, and I’m sure the Knights will do just the same as we continue our celebrations to commemorate 800 years since the Battle of Lincoln and the signing of the Charter of the Forest.”

Rose is not the only artist within the University whose talents will adorn the Lincoln Knights Trail 2017. Rachael Burnett, a staff member in Student Wellbeing, also submitted a successful design which was selected by sponsor Newton Fallowell Estate Agents. This sculpture will be stationed on the East Green outside Lincoln Cathedral during the Lincoln Knights’ Trail.

Rachael said: “I’ve never done anything like this before but I knew it would be an incredible opportunity so I thought why not give it a go? Some of the artists were involved in the Lincoln Barons’ Trail as well so as a complete newbie I feel really privileged to be one of the lucky few who’ve had their designs chosen.”

Rose added: “It’s going to be weird to see the knight I’ve painted on the streets of Lincoln but it’ll be a fantastic feeling to see the public enjoying it along with the rest of the trail. I loved seeing how the Lincoln Barons brought a bit of colour to the city so I’ll be excited to see our Knights do the same.”

Members of the public will be able to enjoy the Lincoln Knights’ Trail from 20th May until 30th September 2017. For more information visit www.knightstrail.com.