Standing tall and yet somehow unassuming, Freddie Gilroy & The Belsen Stragglers is a sculpture that does more than decorate Scarborough’s North Bay—it invites reflection, memory, and connection.
Where to Find Him
Location: Royal Albert Drive, overlooking North Bay, Scarborough, North Yorkshire.
Always accessible to the public.
What Is It?
A steel sculpture by Ray Lonsdale, created in 2011.
Made of weathering steel (Corten steel), which takes on a rusted, earthy appearance as it ages.
The figure is life-size or slightly above: Gilroy is seated on a bench. The bench is large enough that visitors often sit next to him for photos.
Who Was Freddie Gilroy?
Freddie Gilroy was a miner from South Hetton, County Durham.
During the Second World War, he served in the Royal Artillery and was among the first Allied soldiers to help liberate Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in April 1945.
He died in November 2008.
Meaning & Significance
This sculpture is more than a portrait—it’s a memorial to ordinary people called to do extraordinary things. It reflects:
War, memory, and the human cost of conflict. Gilroy becomes symbolic of many who endured experiences beyond what they might have ever imagined.
Community ownership: originally installed as a loan, it was local fundraising and a generous purchase by a Scarborough resident (Maureen Robinson) that made the sculpture a permanent fixture.
Artistic craft: the piece took months to build, with materials chosen and textures created to evoke a sense of weather and time.
What to Look Out For
If you visit:
The inscription / plaque reads “They said for King and Country we should do as we were bid. They said old soldiers never die – but plenty young ones did.” artuk.org+1
Take time to sit on the bench beside Freddie. It’s inviting, and the contrast between the steel structure and human presence brings out its power.
Notice how the color and texture of the steel respond to light—at sunrise, sunset, or under grey coastal skies. The steel weathers in place.
The setting overlooks the sea, so the environment—wind, horizon, waves—becomes part of the experience.
Why It Matters
Freddie Gilroy & The Belsen Stragglers speaks to us on several levels:
As a memorial, both personal (to Freddie Gilroy) and universal (to those impacted by war and displacement).
As a piece of public art that integrates with its environment—Scarborough’s North Bay is a place of both tourist buzz and quiet reflection.
As a reminder that art can be accessible: visible, touchable, part of daily life.
Practical Info for Visitors
Best times to visit: any time of day, but early morning or dusk bring out the most striking contrasts.
Location is central to North Bay, so parking/public transport options are reasonable.
Great for photos. It shows up against sea and sky, juxtaposed with human scale.
Final Thoughts
Freddie Gilroy & The Belsen Stragglers is one of those sculptures that seems simple at first—a man on a bench—but carries depth. It quietly asks us to remember, to empathize, and to appreciate courage born out of ordinary lives. If you’re ever in Scarborough, it’s more than worth a stop—sit, reflect, take in the view, and let the bench tell its stories.
