A giant statue of an elephant could become a “magnet” for visitors to a Kent town under ambitious plans to celebrate its unique place in history.
Almost 800 years ago, in 1255, an elephant arrived on the county’s shores as a gift to King Henry III – the first recorded time the animal was imported to England.
It was unloaded at The Quay in Sandwich before being walked to the royal menagerie at the Tower of London.
Now, Sandwich Town Council wants to commemorate that moment by erecting a near-life-size sculpture of an elephant on the waterfront, close to where the animal first arrived.
Councillors hope the artwork – which could stand two metres tall – will become an attraction for tourists and a hotspot for Instagram posts, boosting footfall and business in the town.
A report to Sandwich Town Council from Cllr Ian Black, who sits on the council’s heritage and townscape committee, said: “Experience elsewhere suggests that statues or monuments can act as a magnet for visitors, particularly if they are unusual and original.
“In the social media age, visitors and influencers can raise the profile of a place by posting ‘Instagrammable’ photographs or videos.”
John Vandertol, a member of Sandwich Town Team and Sandwich Tourism Forum and helped propose the idea to STC, told KentOnline: “It would not only be good for tourism but also serve as a valuable educational tool for children.”
However, at an estimated cost of £5,000, some residents are concerned about the idea.
David Porter said: “I think it’s a waste of money. That’s £5,000 and it could be spent on something else. Sandwich is a nice little town and people are visiting it anyway.”
Donna Young added: “I can’t see how it will bring in tourists. Surely there are other things to spend that money on.”
But many more people were supportive of the plans, which, if all permissions are secured, could be in place by early next year.
Resident Jake Bagnall said: “I think it’s pretty cool. It looks nice and it’s something different for Sandwich.”
Nicola Barber said: “I know the history – that the first elephant brought to England did land here. So I’m quite happy with this.”
Sally Hunnisett said: “We already have the compass rose on The Quay, made by a local sculptress, so I think this is a good idea.
“It would attract people to the town, but it would be good if all of it was paid for by private funds.”
Sandwich Town Council (STC) discussed the idea at a meeting on July 28, when councillors agreed to go ahead in principle with the project and proceed to the next stage.
One option on the table is to commission a company in Kenya which makes sculptures of animals using recycled steel.
The report also proposed to use a Kent-based sculptor but warned this would likely cost more than the £5,000 for the Kenyan option.
It is hoped to secure a mix of private and public funding, such as from local authorities, tourist organisations, local businesses, and crowdfunding.
The statue is expected to be two metres (6ft 6in) high, almost the same size as an adult Asian elephant, which can reach two-and-a-half metres tall (9ft), while African elephants can tower to four metres (13ft).
The artwork would be placed at The Quay, next to the Medieval Centre, close to where the animal was landed.
STC is now set to produce a further report to assess the costs, before submitting a planning application to Dover District Council and conduct a public consultation.
In 1255, King Louis IX of France gifted the animal to his brother-in-law, Henry III of England, and it was landed at The Quay in Sandwich to be walked to the English monarch’s menagerie at the Tower of London.
Historic records tell the story of an elephant being attacked by a bull at Wingham, but it fought back and killed the bull.
The elephant died on February 14, 1257, at the age of 12.
Meanwhile, it comes as Sandwich Town Football Club has revealed its new club crest featuring an elephant at the heart of the design alongside the town’s toll bridge, which the elephant crossed en route to London.
The club says the badge is a “revival” following its reformation during the pandemic and is symbolic of the town’s community and heritage.
Club chairman Rob Edwards said: “This is a collation of all the work that’s come before me, both at the town and at the football club.
“I’m so excited to bring together its rich history and its potential future, sandwiched together in our new crest and identity.
“Over 100 years of club history, and with this step, I hope we’re laying the path for hundreds more.”
