Statue of James Montgomery

You'll find this bronze statue tucked away in Sheffield, a tribute to James Montgomery, the poet and social campaigner who spent most of his life in the city. It's not the sort of thing that'll take you hours - you're looking at a quick stop to read the inscription and take a photo - but it's worth knowing about if you're passing through.

Montgomery was a proper Sheffield character. He edited the local newspaper, wrote poetry that actually mattered in his day, and gave a damn about workers' rights when that wasn't fashionable. The statue itself is nothing flashy, which feels right for a man who wasn't about grand gestures.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from it, especially if you've got an interest in Sheffield's radical past or 19th-century social movements. Kids won't linger unless they're already keen on local history, and honestly, most people stumble across it rather than plan a trip specifically for it.

It's free, obviously - it's a public statue. Allow ten minutes maximum, unless you fancy reading up on Montgomery's life beforehand and want to sit with the context for a bit. Sheffield's well positioned for a broader visit, and if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Wyming Brook Farm is excellent if you can get in - you could easily combine this with proper walks in the Peak District or a look around Sheffield's other historical sites. East Peak and Fox Hagg Farm are decent alternatives if Wyming Brook's full.