Discover the fascinating history of six stone griffins hidden in plain sight in Shard End. These statues once adorned a historic city-centre store and have a mysterious past that includes rumours of ties to Russian royalty. Find out how these sculptures became a local hidden gem.
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00:00Hidden in Shard End are six impressive eight-foot stone griffins. These statues originally adorned
00:07the historic Lewis department store in the city centre, dating back to the 1890s and
00:12are rumoured to have been a gift from the Tsar of Russia, adding an element of mystery
00:17and historical intrigue to their story. Following the demolition of the department store, the
00:23griffins were relocated to York's Wood Scout Camp in 1923, where they stood for nearly
00:2850 years. When the Scout Camp closed, the site was transformed into a housing estate.
00:34Today they can be found standing alongside Hornwy and Kendrick Avenue, continuing to
00:39fascinate both locals and visitors. These statues are now celebrated as an important
00:45part of Birmingham's quirky and lesser-known heritage. Their presence offers a glimpse
00:50into the city's past, highlighting a curious story that stretches back over a century and
00:56remains largely undiscovered by many residents.