A standing statue of Cardinal Wolsey in robes and hat stands in the cafe garden in Abbey Park. The sculpture dates from 1920, although the sculptor is unknown. The head and right hand are modern replacements.
The statue was originally commissioned by hosiery firm Wolsey Ltd, and stood in their premises at King Street and Abbey Meadows. The company donated it the the City Council in 1979, when it was positioned in its present location.
The inscription reads: 'CARDINAL WOLSEY ... CHANCELLOR TO HENRY VIII ... DIED AT LEICESTER ABBEY 1530 ... BURIED IN ABBEY GROUNDS ... THE STATUE WAS DONATED TO THE CITY BY WOLSEY ... THE INTERNATIONAL KNITWEAR FIRM'.
