Statue of Thomas Becket, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Thomas Becket |
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The statue in 2004
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| Artist | Edward Bainbridge Copnall |
| Subject | Thomas Becket |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| 51°30′49″N 0°05′51″W / 51.5135°N 0.0976°W | |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name | St Thomas à Becket sculpture |
| Designated | 19 January 2016 |
| Reference no. | 1431353 |
The statue of Thomas Becket is a cool sculpture you can find in London, United Kingdom. It was made in 1970 by an artist named Edward Bainbridge Copnall. You can see it in the peaceful St Paul's Churchyard, right next to the famous St Paul's Cathedral. This statue is considered a special part of history. It was even given a "Grade II Listed building" status in 2016, which means it's important to protect!
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Discover the Thomas Becket Statue
This interesting statue shows Thomas Becket, a very important person from English history. It was created in 1970. The artist, Edward Bainbridge Copnall, designed it to honor Becket.
The statue stands tall in St Paul's Churchyard. This is a quiet area near the famous St Paul's Cathedral in the heart of London. It's a great spot to learn about history.
Who Was Thomas Becket?
Thomas Becket lived a long time ago, in the 12th century. He was the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is a very high position in the church. He was also a close friend of King Henry II at first.
However, Thomas Becket and King Henry II later had big disagreements. These arguments were about how much power the church should have compared to the king. Sadly, these disagreements led to Becket's death in 1170. He was killed inside Canterbury Cathedral.
After his death, Thomas Becket became a saint. Many people saw him as a hero who stood up for his beliefs. His story is an important part of English history.
The Artist: Edward Bainbridge Copnall
The person who created this statue was Edward Bainbridge Copnall. He was a British sculptor, meaning he made art by shaping materials. Copnall was known for his strong and expressive sculptures.
He made many public artworks that you can see in different places. His work often showed important figures or ideas. The Thomas Becket statue is one example of his skill.
Where to Find the Statue
You can find the statue of Thomas Becket in St Paul's Churchyard. This is a green space that surrounds St Paul's Cathedral. The cathedral is one of London's most famous landmarks.
The churchyard is a public area. It's a place where people can walk, relax, and enjoy the history around them. The statue is easy to spot for visitors.
What Does "Grade II Listed" Mean?
In January 2016, the statue was given a "Grade II Listed building" status. This is a special way the United Kingdom protects important buildings and structures. It means the statue has historical or architectural value.
A "Grade II" listing means the building or object is "of special interest." It's like saying it's a valuable part of the country's heritage. This status helps make sure the statue is cared for and preserved for future generations.
