Four of the recognisable figures our readers said deserve a statue in Portsmouth. Top row, Kenny Jackett and Fred Dinenage and, bottom row, fondly-remembered D-Day hero John Jenkins and the late Jimmy Dickinson MBE. Pictures: Joe Pepler/Malcolm Wells/Habibur Rahman/Getty ImagesFour of the recognisable figures our readers said deserve a statue in Portsmouth. Top row, Kenny Jackett and Fred Dinenage and, bottom row, fondly-remembered D-Day hero John Jenkins and the late Jimmy Dickinson MBE. Pictures: Joe Pepler/Malcolm Wells/Habibur Rahman/Getty Images
Four of the recognisable figures our readers said deserve a statue in Portsmouth. Top row, Kenny Jackett and Fred Dinenage and, bottom row, fondly-remembered D-Day hero John Jenkins and the late Jimmy Dickinson MBE. Pictures: Joe Pepler/Malcolm Wells/Habibur Rahman/Getty Images

These are the 21 people Portsmouth needs statues of - according to our readers

PORTSMOUTH is a proud city with an incredible history.
By ron Melton
Published 21st Oct 2020, 16:29 BST

It’s got a statue of Charles Dickens that casts a watchful eye over Guildhall Square, marking the world-famous writer’s birth here in 1812.

A figure of Horatio Nelson stands in Grand Parade, commemorating the naval hero’s final walk to HMS Victory from Old Portsmouth in September, 1805.

And journey less than a mile from there into Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and you’ll find HMS Victory itself – just a stone’s throw from King Henry VIII’s real Mary Rose.

We recently took to Facebook to ask our readers who else they think should get their own statue in Portsmouth.

The discussion took off, and we now bring you their top 21 suggestions – from the rousing to the ridiculous.

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And journey less than a mile from there into Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and you’ll find HMS Victory itself – just a stone’s throw from King Henry VIII’s real Mary Rose.

We know, it's not a person - but it is a device invented by Marc Isambard Brunel. Though unlike his brother he was born in France, Marc's unique 1800s pulley block-making machinery, like that above, helped boost manufacturing for the Royal Navy. 45 machines like this were installed in the dockyard and helped produce 130K blocks a year for rigging.

5. 21 people Portsmouth needs statues of - according to readers

We know, it's not a person - but it is a device invented by Marc Isambard Brunel. Though unlike his brother he was born in France, Marc's unique 1800s pulley block-making machinery, like that above, helped boost manufacturing for the Royal Navy. 45 machines like this were installed in the dockyard and helped produce 130K blocks a year for rigging. Photo: -

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We're not quite sure why, but a few of you voted for US president Donald Trump. Here he is pictured in Southsea in 2019, for the D-Day 75 commemorations.

6. 21 people Portsmouth needs statues of - according to readers

We're not quite sure why, but a few of you voted for US president Donald Trump. Here he is pictured in Southsea in 2019, for the D-Day 75 commemorations. Photo: Chris Moorhouse

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Pompey legend Alan Knight received votes from readers. The former goalkeeper played 683 league games for the Blues between 1978 and 2000 and has been a model representative for the club since. Picture: Sarah Standing (13225-3805)

7. 21 people Portsmouth needs statues of - according to readers

Pompey legend Alan Knight received votes from readers. The former goalkeeper played 683 league games for the Blues between 1978 and 2000 and has been a model representative for the club since. Picture: Sarah Standing (13225-3805) Photo: Sarah Standing

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Former Pompey forward Lomana LuaLua was a suggestion from some readers. His iconic backflip celebration was etched into the hearts of Blues fans during his time at Fratton Park between 2004 and 2007.

8. 21 people Portsmouth needs statues of - according to readers

Former Pompey forward Lomana LuaLua was a suggestion from some readers. His iconic backflip celebration was etched into the hearts of Blues fans during his time at Fratton Park between 2004 and 2007. Photo: Malcolm Wells

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Related topics:Old PortsmouthHMS VictoryHenry VIIIPortsmouth Historic Dockyard

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