Statue for Kes Author to Be Erected in Writer’s Home Town

Writer Barry Hines originally published A Kestrel for a Knave in 1968, upon which it received a strong response from critics and readers alike. The novel was then adapted into the classic film Kes in 1969 further propelling the original story into the limelight.

Fans of the film and book will be pleased to learn a statue of the character Billy Casper holding his pet kestrel is set to be erected in Hines’ home town, facing the author’s childhood home in Barnsley.

The second statue in Hines’ honour, this one will stand 2m tall, be made of bronze, and depict the two main characters of the book and film. As the BBC reports, the artwork was approved by the Barnsley Council, with one official stating one comment of support said the sculpture “will be fantastic for the Hoyland Common residents and it’s an honour to have the Kes sculpture”, with planning officers stating the location had been “specifically chosen due to the close proximity of Barry Hines’ former home”.

The statue is also near to a number of filming locations used for the movie adaptation, making the statue a great place to visit for fans of both the film and book.

Kestrel for a Knave

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