John Winchcombe II (1489-1557) or 'Jack of Newbury' as he was popularly known is credited as one of the leading merchants of his day and the first to mass produce woven cloth. He brought employment to hundreds of local people and led negotiations for the reintroduction of better trading arrangements for wool merchants. He also organised a petition to the King and led his own army into battle. Not surprisingly he became popular with royalty, even hosting Henry VIII at his home in Northbrook Street.

The image shows a 1/6 scale clay maquette for the life-size statue that will celebrate this remarkable person in Newbury's history.