The Barry Hines Memorial (Kes Statue)

The Barry Hines Memorial (Kes Statue)

📍 46 Cheapside, Barnsley S70 1RU, UK

About The Barry Hines Memorial (Kes Statue)

The Barry Hines Memorial, affectionately known as the Kes Statue, stands proudly in Barnsley town centre at 46 Cheapside. This much-loved monument celebrates the life and work of acclaimed local author Barry Hines, particularly his seminal novel "A Kestrel for a Knave" and its iconic film adaptation, Kes. Visitors consistently praise the sculpture for its artistic merit and its powerful connection to Yorkshire's cultural landscape. With an impressive Google rating of 4.7/5 stars, it's a significant landmark for fans of literature and film, as well as those interested in Barnsley's rich history.

The statue serves as a poignant reminder of Hines's legacy and the timeless story of Billy Casper and his kestrel, Kes, which was filmed extensively in and around the Barnsley area. Reviews highlight how the memorial resonates deeply with locals and visitors alike, celebrating a unique piece of Barnsley's heritage and its contribution to British cinema and literature. It's a place where many come to reflect on the impact of Hines's work and appreciate the beauty of the sculpture itself.

Visiting Information

The Barry Hines Memorial is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing visitors to experience this tribute at their convenience. It boasts excellent accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible parking nearby and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can easily visit and appreciate the monument. As a public monument, there are no payment options required for viewing.

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📍 46 Cheapside, Barnsley S70 1RU, UK

4.7

from 50 reviews

Google Reviews

Reviews from Google Maps.

Showing 5 of 50 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 2 February 2026.

Anonymous
5/5
a year ago

Wanted to see this as soon as I heard about it. Love sculptures and architecture, but when I was 11, we had a progressive student teacher who introduced us to all sorts from Roger McGough to Barry Hines' Kes. Great book. Great film. Really good to see the sculpture.

Anonymous
5/5
2 years ago

My first ever photos ( the original included in this review 😉) and review on MAPS was this actual spot over a years ago (a think lol) with my Super Amazing Bueatiful Son Jack 💙 ❤️ xx Plus a love this unique Bueaty of our Barnsley History 😍 xx

Anonymous
5/5
4 years ago

Great statue in center of Barnsley, honouring Barry Hines. The famous local author famous for the book, A Kestrel For Knave. In 1969 the book was turned in the Ken Loach film Kes. The filmed was in and around the Barnsley area.

Anonymous
4/5
8 months ago

Will add the other star when we get a full monty statue in Sheffield.

Anonymous
2/5
a year ago

The memorial was beautiful, but the smell of ganja being smoked was way too strong 😅🤣x