Focus on this artwork and discuss the History.
Stapleton Cotton, 1st Viscount Combermere (1773–1865) was a cavalry officer, diplomat and politician, who served with distinction under Wellington in the Peninsular War.  In 1863 it was suggested that a monument to him should be erected.  The proposal quickly gained support from the major landowners of Cheshire and John Graham, Bishop of Chester, who were all major subscribers to the project.  It was agreed, because of Combermere's distinguished cavalry career, that the monument should be an equestrian statue.  Carlo Marochetti, noted for his equestrian statues, was commissioned to create the work.  It was also agreed that the statue should stand on a prestigious site opposite Chester Castle.  Work began in 1864 but, before the work could be completed, Combermere died in February 1865.  The statue was unveiled on 26 October 1865 and cost about £5,000 (equivalent to £510,000 in 2021).  Around £7,000 had been raised from the subscriptions, and the difference was given to charitable causes.  It was the first major piece of open-air public sculpture to be erected in Cheshire.
Cheshire Chester Bishop of Chester Stapleton Cotton, 1st Viscount Combermere Combermere John Graham Carlo Marochetti Wellington Peninsular War Chester Castle