London Statues

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Clip 1:

The Boudica Monument

This statue was unveiled in 1902. It was sculptured by Thomas Thornycroft, the father of the man who sculpted the statue of Oliver Cromwell just around the corner. Nearly 2000 years ago this lady charged into London practically destroying the city. This image shows Boudica charging at her Roman enemies – scary stuff!

Clip 2:

Kings Cross

This is platform number 10 at Kings Cross. Boudica is rumoured to be buried here. Nearby there is a more recent feature, platform 9 3/4. You surely know what this is famous for?

Clip 3:

The Hereward Statue erected by E2BN

Hereward the Wake is the only one of our potential local heroes who is not remembered by a statue here in London. However at this current time there is an empty plinth in Trafalgar Square. So, how about this? By the magic of E2BN here’s Hereward!

Clip 4:

The Cromwell Statue

As you know there is great debate about Cromwell. In 1895 the House of Commons narrowly voted to commission the statue. This statue was the most controversial of all out local heroes. It stands proudly in front of Westminster hall showing the power of Parliament. Soon after the 1895 Commons vote there was a Parliamentary backlash. The proposal was withdrawn. An anonymous donor offered the funds on condition that a suitable site was found. Despite further protests the statue was unveiled without ceremony in November 1899. This statue was sculpted by the son of the Boudica sculptor . What’s remarkable about this statue is that Cromwell was here before. Well not all of Cromwell. When Charles II came to power he dug up Cromwell’s body and beheaded him. Cromwell’s head was placed on this roof until the wind blew it away.

Clip 5:

Nelsons Column (1)

The amazing 170ft tall column is the main part of the monument. It was designed by William Railton who sadly died before it could be completed. The 17ft statue at the top was designed by Edmund Hodges Bailey. Bailey actually came second in the competition to design the monument. So you could say that the statue was a runner’s up prize. The 16 tonne statue was hoisted up on Guy Fawkes Day in 1843. Because the column is so high visitors cannot actually see Nelson’s face.

Clip 6:

Nelsons Column (2)

These lions are world famous. The original sculptor for the four lions at the base of Nelsons column died before he could finish his work. Sir Edmund Langston was given the job of completing the statues. It’s thought the claws were copied from a pussy cat.

Clip 7:

Nelsons Column (3)

At the base of the Column you can see bronze reliefs. They show all Nelson’s victories. There was trouble creating them as it was rumoured that some bronze came from captured French canon. What a disgrace!