He was one of the so-called New Sculptors identified by Edmund Gosse in 1894 – a group distinguished by a stylistic turn towards naturalism and their work in architectural sculpture.

[4] Blake was one of the most important military commanders of the Commonwealth of England and one of the most famous English admirals of the 17th century.

The statue was moved to its current site in 1986 having previously stood in front of the Corn Exchange.

[4][8][9] The hollow bronze statue depicts Blake dressed as a parliamentary soldier with his right arm outstretched and with a sword in his left hand.

[10] The inscription on the front of the plinth says "Robert Blake born in this town 1598 died at sea 1657".