Joseph Sturge memorial facts for kids
The Joseph Sturge Memorial is a special statue in Birmingham, England. It honors Joseph Sturge (1793–1859), who was an English Quaker, an abolitionist, and a dedicated activist. The statue was first shown to a large crowd of 12,000 people on June 4, 1862, in an area called Five Ways, close to where he used to live. This memorial is considered an important historical landmark.
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Who Was Joseph Sturge?
Joseph Sturge was a very important person who fought for fairness and peace. He was a Quaker, which is a Christian group known for its peaceful beliefs. Sturge worked hard to end slavery and give more people the right to vote in Britain. He also tried to bring peace to a world often troubled by wars.
The statue shows Joseph Sturge as if he is teaching. His right hand rests on a Bible, which shows his strong Christian faith. He wears a simple coat, a style often worn by Quakers at that time.
The Statue's Design and Meaning
The memorial was sculpted by John Thomas. Sadly, he passed away before finishing the project.
At the bottom of the statue, there are two female figures. These figures represent important ideas:
- One figure represents Peace. She holds a dove and an olive branch, and a lamb is at her feet. These symbols show innocence and calm.
- The other figure represents Charity. She is shown helping two children of Afro-Caribbean descent. This part of the statue reminds us of the fight against slavery and the victory over it.
Around the top of the statue's base, you can read the words "Charity, Temperance and Peace." Joseph Sturge's name and the date he passed away are also carved there. The figures and the base are made from Portland stone.
Moving and Restoring the Memorial
In 1925, the memorial was moved a short distance to where it stands today. A bronze plaque was added to tell people more about Joseph Sturge. The words on the plaque say:
He laboured to bring freedom to the Negro slave, the vote to British workmen, and the promise of peace to a war-torn world.
Over the years, the statue needed some care. Around 1975, part of Sturge's left hand fell off.
In 2006 and 2007, several groups worked together to restore the statue. These groups included the Birmingham Civic Society, Birmingham City Council, and the Sturge family. They fixed the missing hand and made the statue look new again. This restoration was done for the 200th anniversary of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which helped end the slave trade in the British Empire.
On March 24, 2007, a special ceremony was held to celebrate the restored statue. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Mike Sharpe, revealed a new sign that shares details about Joseph Sturge's life. Today, Birmingham City Council takes care of this important memorial.
Gallery
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The plaque inscription
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The restored statue of Joseph Sturge on 24 March 2007
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Stephen Hartland of The Birmingham Civic Society spoke at the re-dedication in 2007
