LONDON STATUES - RELIGION
LONDON STATUES - RELIGION London’s statues aren’t only about kings, generals and politicians. Scattered across the capital are monuments to men and women whose influence came through faith - from medieval archbishops to Victorian social reformers. From the martyrdom of Thomas Becket to the East End mission of William and Catherine Booth , these statues trace seven centuries of religious history written into London’s streets. THOMAS BECKET (c.1119-1170 ) One of England’s most dramatic church–state clashes is graphically commemorated at St Paul’s. Thomas Becket began life as the trusted chancellor and close friend of King Henry II, but after becoming Archbishop of Canterbury he fiercely defended the independence of the Church. Their dispute ended violently in 1170. Henry, frustrated by Becket’s resistance to royal authority angrily uttered the words: “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” Four knights took the remark as a comm...