Local history

Statue of Sir Robert Juckes Clifton

There is much more to Sir Robert Juckes Clifton than his sandy-coloured statue, which stands near to Wilford Toll Bridge.

Sir Robert's family had been landowners in Nottinghamshire since the middle ages and their estate was centred at Clifton Hall.

He was born in Nottingham in 1826 and educated at Christ Church College, Oxford.

After living in France he returned to Clifton in 1861 where he stood as an independent candidate.

Rabble rouser

One of the main features of Sir Robert's campaign was his opposition to the 'permissive bill' which was trying to limit pubs and alcohol consumption.

He won and went for re-election in 1865 but events turned nasty.

Clifton was an MP at the time when there was no private ballot so when voting took place trouble was always likely.

Inscription on plinth of statue

At the time, MPs employed 'rabble rousers' to try and swing the vote - Sir Robert's were known as the 'Clifton Lambs'.

Sir Robert's opponent in 1865 was Samuel Morley and when his supporters arrived in Nottingham they were pelted with rocks by Clifton's followers.

A battle ensued through the streets which had to be broken up by the 83rd Infantry Regiment.

Sir Robert lost the election by 42 votes but was re-elected in 1868.

People's hero

Sir Robert was very popular in Nottingham. His generosity funded a church and a new school for the people of Clifton.

He was also responsible for Wilford Toll Bridge, hence the position of his statue, and Clifton Colliery.

Further proof of his high esteem was after Sir Robert died of typhoid in 1869, around 20,000 people attended his funeral at St. Mary's Church in Clifton.