A NEW booklet published by Reading Libraries details the history of the Maiwand Lion, including how it was constructed and what its name means.
Written by historians Katie Amos, Mike Cooper, and Andrew Scott, it tells the story of the Battle of Maiwand, as well as the statue’s role as a commemoration to the people who died there.
The authors also explore the representation of the statue in local arts and culture, including some of the myths and legend which surround it.
Cllr Karen Rowland said that the statue has “come to mean more to the people of Reading beyond just its noble commemoration.”She said that the statue had recently also become the symbol of Reading Together following the terrorist attack in Forbury Gardens in June 2020. in which three people died.
“Thanks are due to the hard work of the authors, Mike, Katie and Andrew, for compiling this tribute to Reading’s most iconic monument,” Cllr Rowland added.
The Maiwand Lion has been standing in Forbury Gardens since 1886, it measures 31ft in length from nose to tail, and its nine separate pieces weigh approximately 16 tonnes altogether.
Copies of the book are available at Reading Central Library for £3, or available as a digital copy by contacting info@readinglibraries.org.uk for £2.
